A judge threw out election results for Kawempe Division North after finding serious problems with the voting process. Justice Bernard Namanya ruled that Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola broke campaign laws and cannot keep his seat as a Member of Parliament. The court discovered that over 16,000 people lost their chance to vote because election workers made major mistakes. Nalukoola also asked for votes at two polling stations during election day, against the rules. Officials must organize a completely new election for the area.
Faridah Nambi Kigongo brought the case to court after losing the race with 9,058 votes compared to Nalukoola's 17,939 votes. She told the judge that many voters faced threats and that election workers could not do their jobs properly. The Electoral Commission failed to count ballots from 14 different voting places around the district. Violence and chaos at these locations destroyed voting materials and scared away election staff. The judge said this violated the rights of thousands of voters who wanted to pick their representative.
President Museveni had already ordered investigations into the March election because of reports about ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. This marks the second time courts have canceled election results for this same parliamentary seat. The Electoral Commission will announce dates for the fresh voting within the coming weeks.
Faridah Nambi Kigongo brought the case to court after losing the race with 9,058 votes compared to Nalukoola's 17,939 votes. She told the judge that many voters faced threats and that election workers could not do their jobs properly. The Electoral Commission failed to count ballots from 14 different voting places around the district. Violence and chaos at these locations destroyed voting materials and scared away election staff. The judge said this violated the rights of thousands of voters who wanted to pick their representative.
President Museveni had already ordered investigations into the March election because of reports about ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. This marks the second time courts have canceled election results for this same parliamentary seat. The Electoral Commission will announce dates for the fresh voting within the coming weeks.
