§ 21. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he is taking to ensure the impartiality of the electoral and returning officers in the coming elections in Buganda.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have carefully examined the arrangements which the 1506 Governor has agreed with the Kabaka's Government for the supervision of the elections in Buganda and I am satisfied that everything possible has been done to ensure that the officers concerned will carry out their duties impartially.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that one of the parties contesting this election is called Kabaka Yekka, or the Kabaka's party, and that the election address of this party has a picture of the Kabaka in the uniform of the Brigade of Guards on the cover, and that many of the electoral returning officers are his subjects? Would it not, therefore, be better to choose returning officers from outside Buganda?
§ Mr. MaudlingI have looked closely at the arrangements for the electoral returning officers and have discussed them with Mr. Kiwanuka. I am satisfied that, in fact, no undue influence will be exercised on the elections by people acting as returning officers. I doubt to what extent the photograph of the Kabaka in the uniform of the Guards would influence an election one way or the other.