Kampala (Uganda): President Yoweri Museveni took an early lead on Friday in Uganda's first multiparty elections in 25 years, but not without criticism of his campaign from European Union election observers and allegations of fraud from his key challenger, and former close friend.
The EU mission also struck at the very foundation of the race, recommending that Uganda restore the presidential term limit Museveni lifted last year so he could run again after 20 years in power.
"Consideration should be given to reinstating, for future presidential elections, the two-term limit," Max van den Berg, the EU chief observer, said in reading the mission's preliminary findings.
The amended constitution -- changed in July to allow for multiparty elections and for Museveni to run as many times as he wishes -- also "failed to provide the basis for a fair multiparty election, because it envisages the continuation" of the ruling party, he added.
He said top opposition leader Kizza Besigye's campaign was also hampered by numerous court appearances.
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