An Electoral Geography of Uganda AN ELECTORAL GEOGRAPHY OF UGANDA: FROM THE GUN TO THE BALLOT, A 'POLITICS OF SUCCESS ' OR LEGITIMIZATION?

Most recent elections in African countries have been characterized by external persuasion by donor countries. The push for democracy has been tied to foreign aid. The election process in such cases often favors and/or legitimizes the incumbent Uganda's 1996 election is a good case study to test this hypothesis, and explain the election within the global context Uganda experienced political instability in the 1970s and 1980s. Since its independence in 1962, the country has been ruled by nine different governments, of which three were elected. Using the results from the recent presidential elections in Uganda, this paper examines the nature and implication of the elections. Did the election process uphold democracy, or peace? Did the process legitimize a rule? What factors influenced voting behavior patterns? The 1996 elections gave President Museveni a second term in office. His elected government is the ninth government, and legitimates the continuation of his non-elected first term often years. The analysis of voting behavior (choice of candidate and turnout) shows some important patterns. The districts in the North (where instability is common) voted for the opposition. This is probably due to dissatisfaction with Museveni. The more economically developed, and stable South voted overwhelming for Museveni. This could be a sign of their uncertainty with other candidates, and preference to keep the status quo hence a legitimization of the Museveni reign