Rukungiri by-election: FDC protest as EC replaces registrar
Ntungamo.
The Rukungiri electoral commission returning officer who was in charge of the 2016 general election Mr Pius Ahimbisibwe has been suspended by the electoral body ahead of the by-election for the Woman MP by-election.
The chairman electoral commission Justice Simon Byabakama told a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday that the electoral commission could not risk to have the same man who presided over an election that led to a petition challenging the result in an election involving the same candidates.
“The returning officer accepted in an affidavit that he announced partial results and yet the remaining votes were higher than those that had been counted which is a great offense. This sis Hakuna Mchezo, we cannot allow the same man to run the process, we need to be seen to be acting transparently. He accepted his mess in court, he has been suspended.” Mr Byabakama said.
The new returning officer Mr. Umar Kiyimba has been appointed ahead of the election and was introduced during the meeting.
The opposition Forum for Democratic Change however protested the move during the meeting saying his suspension was originated from the NRM meeting on April 17 2018 where the NRM chairperson Gen. Jim Muhwezi swore not to have Mr Ahimbisibwe as the district registrar in the election.
The former FDC contestant for the Rukungiri district chairperson seat Mr Martin Byomuhangyi noted that the move could not only be seen as a coincidence of the NRM meeting but also one that won't be trusted.
Justice Byabakama however distanced the electoral commission from any foul play arguing that they will prove transparency in the whole exercise but will not take chances for fear of being seen as partisan.
