Kampala — The Electoral Commission (EC) boss, Dr. Badru Kiggundu, has chided his critics, branding them as 'irresponsible and cowardly jokers'.

Reacting to wild calls from the opposition for him to resign, Kiggundu said the EC was keen on democracy and would organise free and fair elections in 2011.

"I have a responsibility to organise credible elections next year. Some people are calling for my resignation, but I can assure all Ugandans that I am going nowhere. I am not a coward," he said. Kiggundu was speaking during a three-day national youth conference at Colline Hotel, Mukono recently.

Constitutionally, it is the President who appoints the head of the electoral body, after approval fromm Parliament. The opposition has, however, accused Kiggundu of favouring the ruling NRM party

At the conference, the youth from the opposition called for the EC chairman to resign. They also queried the EC's claims that over 14 million Ugandans had registered to vote.

"We know that 77% of (the 33 million) Ugandans are below 30 years; where did you get that 14 million registered voters?" a youth asked.

Kiggundu responded: "I have the experience and legal framework for elections on my side. I have not thought of resigning yet," he said. He later launched the National Youth manifesto, 2011, a recommendation on unemployment and poverty in the country.

Meanwhile, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) secretary for mobilisation, Mugisha Muntu urged the youth to shun bribery from the NRM.

"The NRM has failed to realise that Uganda is bigger than it," he said in reference to the ongoing NRM primary elections.