The Electoral Commission has directed local government authorities to suspend the swearing-in of newly elected Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons and committees in villages and cells where election results are being challenged.
The directive, issued by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, affects villages whose election outcomes are the subject of pending complaints before the Commission.
The move comes as the Commission continues to handle at least 400 petitions challenging the conduct and results of the recently concluded LC1 elections.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, Justice Byabakama said the Commission had received numerous complaints contesting electoral processes and results in various villages and had already begun hearing and determining the cases.
“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,” Justice Byabakama said.
He explained that the measure is intended to allow the Commission to conclude investigations and determine the pending complaints before any further action is taken regarding the disputed election results.
The Commission noted that preparations for the swearing-in of newly elected LC1 leaders had already commenced in several districts, including some areas where election results remain under dispute.
Justice Byabakama urged local government authorities, candidates and members of the public to cooperate with the Commission as it carries out its constitutional mandate.
“The Electoral Commission appreciates the cooperation of all concerned Local Government Authorities, candidates and members of the public as the Commission continues to discharge its mandate in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Commission said a list of all affected villages and cells where swearing-in has been suspended is available on its official website.
