EC suspends Local Council elections
The Independent Electoral Commission (EC) has suspended elections for local council administrative units, women councils and committees following a court order.
The EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama made the announcement in a press statement issued November 13.
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“The Electoral Commission, in compliance with two court orders issued by the high court at Kampala this 13th day of November 2017, and another one issued by the high court at Jinja this 13th day of November 2017, which are binding on the Electoral Commission , here by informs the general public that the elections for the village women councils and committees and elections for administrative units (LC1 and LCII) shall not be held as earlier scheduled,” the statement reads in part.
“Accordingly, the elections of village women councils and committees scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday 14th November 2017 shall not take place. Similarly, the election program for the election of Administrative Units (LCI and LCII) is suspended,” the statement continues.
Jinja High Court deputy registrar, Jesse Byaruhanga on Monday issued an interim order restraining the EC from conducting the Local Council elections for the next 60 days until an earlier application regarding the elections is determined. The Monday court order followed an application by concerned citizen, Mr Alibwani Allan challenging the elections.
Another order from the High Court in Kampala was issued over the same following an application by Mr James Tweheyo challenging the elections in the absence of Advanced Secondary School students who are currently sitting their examinations until December 8.
The Applicant argued that senior six candidates have a constitutional right to participate in the process, which only will happen when their national examinations have ended.
