Crowded race to be new president

Ugandans go to the polls on January 14, to elect a president from one of the most crowded races in the country’s recent history. Even with 11 candidates in contention, the race to the wire is really between just three top runners. The Ugandan election is currently one of the most closely watched events on the continent because of the titanic clash between the incumbent and a generation he takes pride in having nurtured. At 24, the youngest contender was born a decade after President Yoweri Museveni had shot his way to power.

The real choice before Ugandans is between the tantalising promise of a new era led by a generation that has come of age, and the staid predictability of an

incumbent. For the proponents of change, the challenge is to demonstrate how they will sustain and build on the economic gains of the past three decades.

On the other hand, the advocates of continuitymust show new thinking and convince one that they have what it takes to change their deplorable record of grand corruption, missed opportunities and amore inclusive society.

With such a polarised electorate and a not so level ground, it will not be easy for whoever carries the day. Whichever way, the outcome is likely to be contested. The burden of duty is on the Electoral Commission to avert controversy by delivering a clean and credible poll.