Stanley Ebele
The NRM Election Disputes Tribunal has dismissed two petitions from Karamoja on grounds of failure to by the petitioners to prove their allegations.
The tribunal received a total of 11 petitions from the region arising from the party’s Parliamentary primary elections held on 17 July.
Among the petitions received by the tribunal include, two from Abim district against incumbent Woman MP Janet Akech Okori-Moe, one from Kotido Municipality MP candidate Moses Bildard Adome against incumbent Ismael Muhammad Lomwar among others.
In rulings delivered on 6 August by John Musiime, the Chairperson of the tribunal, two of 11 petitions have been dismissed with more four rulings expected to be delivered later today.
The petitions thrown out include that of Bokora East County in Napak and Chekwi County in Nakapiririt districts.
According to the rulings signed by the Tribunal’s Chairperson John Musiime, the petitioner of Chekwi County Parliamentary result Moses Aleper failed to prove his allegations that the election was not held in accordance with the NRM Election Guidelines and other electoral laws – and therefore the petition was dismissed.
The tribunal also dismissed Aleper’s allegations that the alleged irregularities affected the electoral laws and the procedures. The tribunal in their ruling stated that it was satisfied the election was carried out in accordance with the electoral laws and procedures.
The tribunal upheld the election of Simon Peter Longoli as the duly elected NRM Flag bearer for Chekwi dismissing Moses Aleper’s petition on above grounds. In the Primary Elections held on 17 July, Longoli scored 16, 104 votes against Aleper’s 8, 424.
On Bokora East County, the tribunal maintained the election of Peter Ken Lochap as the winner of the vote dismissing Gideon Lotee’s petition with no costs awarded. Incumbent Lochap popularly known as Lorikamar polled 10, 671 votes against Lotee’s 2, 426 votes.
But a section of commentators have accused the tribunal of being another player in the NRM internal politics. However, while delivering the first batch of the rulings on Wednesday, Musiime said they were evidence based and guided by the NRM election guidelines, other relevant electoral laws and the rule of natural justice.
Etoil will keep you updated with all latest rulings as they unfold.
