Analysis of the quality of local council elections in Hoima city, mid-western Uganda

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to discuss the quality of local council elections by exploring factors that influence vote buying and vote selling during electoral seasons in Uganda. Methodology: A cross-sectional study aimed at promoting free, fair and credible local council elections in Hoima city. The study was conducted in one city ward that is part of Hoima City Cohort Study (HCCS). The HCCS is a population-based cohort that was identified for purposes of this study. A total of 28 registered voters, resident in four study areas were enrolled into the study. Data were collected on socio-econ-political related characteristics. A regression model was used to generate voting frequency as a measure of association for factors that were associated with voter bribery. Findings: Results suggest that voter bribery was high; higher in men than in women. Less than half had participated in more than two previous local council elections while slightly more than half were taking part in the second election. After adjusting for potential and suspected confounder, the factors that were negatively associated with voter bribery were: greed, poverty, and expectations; political party/candidate influence and lack of self-control were positively associated with voter bribery. Since political party/candidate influence and lack of self-control were positively associated with voter bribery in the area of study, targeting those having exorbitant resources to tempt voters may help reduce voter bribery in this area. Unique Contribution to Policy and Practice: The results of this study may be useful to policy and practice since they can facilitate managers of electoral management bodies as well as political parties to evolve frameworks that can facilitate credible electoral processes.