| dc.description.abstract | In this study, I have investigated vote buying and vote selling as a phenomenon in Uganda, using Rwamucucu Sub-County as a case. The major aim has been to understand local people’s perception of vote buying and selling and its effect on democracy and development. I have utilized a qualitative research strategy, using mainly semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and field observations. The data were collected during the time of the 2016 Uganda general elections.
Results indicate that vote buying has been extensive in Rwamucucu, and that it had increased significantly during the last 20 years. The study also shows that the majority of residents in the Sub-County participated in to vote buying, although not always voting in favor of the vote buyer. Money was the most used vote reward, although essential items like hoes and iron sheets were also issued during the campaigns. Both ruling party’s political candidates, agents, and candidates from the opposition were key players in handing out vote rewards. The main purpose of handing out rewards was to get votes in return.
Several reasons featured as causes for people selling their votes, including betrayal by leaders, poverty, and rampant corruption at top levels of leadership. There were also many explanations behind candidates buying of votes, e.g. the political candidates knew that people were in dire need for money and other material rewards, but obviously money was used as a competition strategy. The study reveals several negative effects of vote buying on democracy and development, such as, deprivation of political and gender equality, undeserving leaders, and limited attention to service delivery. Despite some petty individual benefits accrued from the vote buying practice, its effects on democracy and development are negative and far-reaching.
Key words: Vote buying, Rewards and Voting. | nb_NO |
