Electoral Commission chief Simon Byabakama. File photo.
KAMPALA–With one month remaining for the Electoral Commission to organize the Local Council 1 and 2 elections, Foundation for Human Rights initiative has gone to the Constitution Court to halt the exercise.
In a case filed today, the petitioners seek, among others, an interim injunction, restraining the electoral body from conducting the elections.
The petitioners also sued the Attorney General, asking Court to determine whether section 12(a) and (b) of the Local Government Act and the Electoral Commission guild lines are not in contravention of and inconsistent with the Constitution.
“We are also challenging the lining up system. This contravenes and inconsistent with Article 1,21, 33 and 35 of the Constitution,” said George Musisi, the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative legal officer.
Many political parties and other stakeholders have openly challenged the lining up of electing LC leaders, which was endorsed by Parliament. It allocated Shs35billion to fuel the electoral exercise, though the Electoral Commission had asked for Shs500 billion.
Forum for Democratic Change, (FDC) the leading opposition party, recently said lining up system, NRM party is using it to rig the elections.
“NRM leaders particularly President Museveni fears to lose the LC elections. The best way to intimidate people from voting those opposing his government is through lining up,” explained Harold Kaija, the deputy secretary general of FDC.
Alex Waiswa, the deputy spokesperson of DP, holds a similar argument. He said DP will back up those challenging the electoral exercise in courts of law.
On Monday, the Electoral body ended the registration of village residents. The electoral body boss Justice Simon Byabakama said the registration of residents in each village throughout Uganda will not be conducted after this date.
This was in preparation for the Administrative Units (LC I & II) and Women Councils and Committees Elections.
The purpose of this registration exercise, Byabakama explained is to enable all willing village residents to register in order to participate in the above elections.
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