Court Throws Out Ex-MP's Bid to Review Election Materials

The High Court in Entebbe has dismissed an application by former Busiro South MP, Charles Matovu, seeking a review of electoral materials. Matovu, who represented the National Unity Platform, had petitioned the court to compel the Electoral Commission to produce various documents, including declaration of results forms, ballot paper accountability, and presidential election declaration forms for numerous polling stations.

Matovu argued that these documents were crucial for the proper determination of his original petition against the current MP, Kenan Opio, and the Electoral Commission. He alleged non-compliance with electoral laws that he claimed affected the election outcome and sought to have Opio’s election nullified.

However, the Electoral Commission opposed the application, deeming it incompetent and an abuse of court process. They argued that the application was filed just a day before the scheduled hearing, suggesting it was an afterthought designed to waste court time. The commission also contended that the breadth of documents requested was excessive and potentially violated electoral laws.

Presiding Judge Jameson Karemani dismissed Matovu’s application, citing a lack of specific detail. The judge noted that Matovu failed to clearly specify which polling stations or wards the requested documents pertained to, describing the request as a “fishing expedition.” The court also pointed out that some of the requested forms had already been provided or were attached to Matovu’s own application, rendering that part of the request redundant.

Justice Karemani further highlighted the significant delay in bringing the application, stating that waiting five months after the election demonstrated a lack of urgency and certainty on Matovu’s part. The judge concluded that the application lacked merit and dismissed it with costs. The court has since scheduled the hearing of the original petition for October 16th.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)