FDC Party President Extends Olive Branch to Dissenting Members

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi has invited dissenting members to return to the party, citing the FDC Constitution’s provision for their return.

“We have been approached by a number of our former members expressing a desire to return to the party and actively participate in the party activities, including mobilization towards the forthcoming elections,” Amuriat said in a statement.

During his first new year press briefing on Wednesday, Amuriat said the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will set up reception desks in every district to facilitate the return of former members.

“We wish to inform the public that the party has attained stability, thanks to the commitment by the leadership and members. Any previous challenges that we faced have been decisively sorted,” Amuriat assured.

The FDC Party President also emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties, saying, “We have always held a view that a united opposition will be a better competitor than a divided one.”

As the country gears up for the 2026 General Elections, Amuriat confirmed that the FDC will fully participate and has begun strategizing to enhance its performance.

“We intend to field candidates in all available positions to be contested for. We call on all our members to participate in both internal party election activities and those outlined in the elections roadmap issued by the National Electoral Commission,” Amuriat urged.

The FDC Party President also called on the NRM government to allow a comprehensive debate on electoral reforms, saying, “Our call ahead of the 2026 elections is to the NRM government to allow a comprehensive debate on electoral reforms that will guarantee free, fair, credible and verifiable elections.”

Amuriat took the opportunity to criticize the Electoral Commission’s Voter Registration Timeline and Transparency record.

Amuriat Oboi, raised serious concerns about the Electoral Commission’s recently amended roadmap for the 2025/2026 elections, particularly the voter registration process.

He highlighted the limited timeframe allocated for the registration and update of voters, which is scheduled from January 20 to February 10, 2025. He argued that the 21-day period is inadequate for such a critical exercise. “A process of this magnitude requires at least two months to ensure all eligible citizens are included and informed,” Amuriat stated. “This rushed approach raises questions about the Electoral Commission’s preparedness.”

Amuriat also criticized the Electoral Commission for its failure to engage political parties and other key stakeholders throughout the implementation of the electoral roadmap.

Further amplifying his concerns, Amuriat noted that the Electoral Commission has failed to gazette electoral areas for the 2026 elections by the required deadline. “The Commission was supposed to communicate these areas by the end of November 2024,” he said. “As of today, January 15, 2025, no information has been provided. This lack of transparency mirrors the confusion we saw during the 2020 elections.”

He also called attention to the inadequate voter education efforts. He emphasized that many citizens are unaware of the ongoing voter registration and update process, which could lead to significant voter disenfranchisement.

In light of these challenges, Amuriat urged FDC leaders, members, and supporters to actively mobilize and inform the public about the importance of participating in the voter update exercise. “We call on all eligible citizens, especially the youth, to register and ensure their details are up-to-date for the 2025/2026 elections,” he concluded.