The Electoral Commission has directed Local Government authorities to halt the swearing-in of LC1 Chairpersons and Committees in villages/cells where election results are subject to pending complaints before the Commission.
The electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, in an advisory dated August 17th, noted that the measure will allow the Commission to conclude the hearing and determination of the complaints, before further action is taken in respect of the affected election result.
The Commission commenced the process of hearing, reviewing and determining the complaints, which is still ongoing.
“The Commission has noted that preparations for the swearing-in of newly elected Village/Cell Chairpersons by the respective Local Government Authorities are underway, including in villages/cells where the election results are subject to pending complaints before the Commission” he said.
He added, “Accordingly, the Electoral Commission has advised the concerned Local Government Authorities to halt the swearing-in of Village/Cell Chairpersons in villages/cells whose election results have been contested and are currently under consideration by the Commission”.
According to a list provided by the commission, 365 villages will be affected by the directive across the country.
The decision comes a day after the commission ordered for fresh LC 1 chairperson’s elections, in 14 villages across the country.
In a letter dated August 12th to all candidates in selected areas who contented in the elections, Justice Byabakama, revealed that the decision was reached after the commission, established that the results of the said village election could not be ascertained and published in accordance with Article 61 (1) (d) of the country’s Constitution.
