Legislators are demanding for what they say is their right not to take a position or side during voting on an issue in the House.
This proposal surfaced during the consideration of amendments to the Parliament Rules of Procedure, where a section of MPs said that “it remains their right and was at the heart of democracy for them not to take either of the three positions – vote for, against or abstain.”
According to a statement from Parliament, House rules stipulate that Legislators eligible to vote would have to either vote for, against or abstain. The rules also outline that only ex-officio MPs are not eligible to vote in Parliament.
“Let us accommodate this democratic practice. It may be my tactic not to vote, because I belong to the minority,” Hon Cecilia Atim Ogwal, Dokolo district MP remarked after a Parliamentary seating on 19th July.
Different from Hon Cecilia, the Chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights who also doubles as Mitooma district MP, Hon. Jovah Kamateeka said; take a side during a vote considering that you are always encouraging voters to participate in elections that you will make their voices heard.
“It is important for us to project a positive image and integrity that we always tell our voters. When it comes to a vote, we should not shy away but take a position,” said Hon. Kamateeka.
Responding to the plea, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah said that all members eligible to vote must vote either way or leave the Chamber.
“If you are inside the Chamber and the vote is called but you do not want to participate in the vote, you walk out. That’s the decent thing to do,” Hon. Oulanyah urged.
“You cannot withdraw quorum if you are in the Chamber. If you are observing, you go to the gallery,” he added, later deferring the disagreements to another sitting.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
