Besigye rejects presidential poll outcome, calls for audit of results

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Riot police block a driveway leading to the home of leading opposition politician and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party presidential candidate Kizza Besigye on the outskirts of Uganda's capital Kampala, February 20, 2016. Photo/REUTERS

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Uganda's main opposition candidate Kizza Besigye on Saturday rejected President Yoweri Museveni's victory in the country's presidential election, saying the poll was a "sham".

"We have just witnessed what must be the most fraudulent electoral process in Uganda," Besigye said in a statement. He also called for an independent audit of the results.

"Today I am under house arrest. My home is sealed off and I am not allowed to leave. Nobody is allowed to access my home," Besigye said.

Besigye appealed to the "international community" not to recognize the results.

"Please reject the temptation to ratify these sham elections," he said. "But should you ratify the results of these sham elections, at least, have the courage to admit that you do not care about democracy or human rights in Africa."

"The regime cannot survive without our co-operation. Let us denounce this electoral theft by withdrawing our recognition of the regime and ceasing to co-operate with it."

Museveni won 60.5 percent of the vote while Besigye secured 35.3 percent, Uganda's electoral commission said on Saturday.

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