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Uganda's Besigye fails to challenge presidential results

Uganda's Besigye fails to challenge presidential results

Uganda

Uganda’s main opposition leader Kizza Besigye has failed to file an election petition in the stipulated duration.

Besigye who has been under house arrest since the February 18 presidential election was unsuccessful in legally challenging the results that saw incumbent ruler Yoweri Museveni re-elected for the umpteenth time.

The February polls saw Museveni secure yet another term in office after he garnered 60.8 percent of the votes, the electoral commission said. Meanwhile, Besigye secured 35.4 percent.

Nevertheless, Amama Mbabazi, who came third in the poll, was able to submit her petition in the 10-day duration.

Besigye had been in and out of prison long before the country took to the polls. His frequent arrests have often attracted the eyes of the international community who accuse the government of harassment.

Recently, Museveni defended the arrests of Besigye insisting it was a preventive measure to ensure that he does not cause chaos.

An observation team from the European Union said the elections lacked transparency and had been conducted in a manner that indicated intimidation.

However, Museveni immediately dismissed the accusations saying he does not need lectures from anybody.

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