Basemera Nestor

Makerere University, Uganda

Title: Conceptualizing More Inclusive Elections: Violence Against Women in Elections and Gendered Electoral Violence in Uganda

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Biography

Nestor is a gender researcher with Watchdog online news, Uganda, a policy analyst and a principal investigator at Makerere University Research and Innovation. Nestor also holds a Master’s Degree in Gender Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Diploma in Secondary education.

Abstract

The study explored the current literature on violence against women in politics, illustrating how violence in local politics in Uganda is a distinct form of violence with significant and personal impacts on women's political representation. Findings reveal high levels of election violence against women voters in Uganda. These acts include online platforms being used to target, abuse, and silence elected and aspiring women politicians. Physical violence such as disruption of campaign rallies, intimidation, harassment, threats, and voter harassment are used to dissuade people from supporting their preferred candidates. Electoral manipulation through bribery, ballot stuffing, propaganda, voting violence, and intimidation not only undermine democratic principles but also hinder women's ability to fully participate and lead. The study thus recommends recognizing that women are not a homogeneous group, as women from different parties have unique expectations and opinions, while also being subject to different biases. The study further recommends:

1. Strengthening civic and voter education by conducting comprehensive civic and voter education, community sensitization, and awareness campaigns about the community's perception of women and their participation in elections by the Electoral Commission and Uganda Human Rights Commission.

2. Redefining the role of security agencies, police, army, and intelligence in the electoral processes.

3. Regulating the commercialization of politics and elections and adopting measures to reduce queuing behind candidates as much as possible.