By Joseph Wanzusi

BUNGOKHO North parliamentary election loser Rabbi Gershom Sizomu Wambedde (FDC) has filed a petition in Mbale High Court.

He accuses the Electoral Commission (EC) and Yahaya Gudoi Wojje (incumbent), the declared winner of the polls, of election irregularities. The petition particularly accuses the EC of non-compliance with the electoral laws and principles.

Wambedde, who polled 14,956 votes against Wojje’s 16,771 votes, wants court to annul the election results and order the EC to organise fresh polls.

“The process was flawed. Voting was characterised by intimidation, harassment, violence, lack of freedom and transparency, unfairness and the commission of numerous offences,” the petition said.

“The EC failed to restrain Wojje, his agents and NRM party officials from interfering with the electoral process,” the petition added.

Rigging through ballot stuffing, multiple voting, ineligible voters and manipulation of voters’ registers, especially at polling stations in Bufumbo and Bubyangu sub-counties in Mbale, were the other irregularities cited.

Wambedde adds that his agents were prevented from protecting his interests at several polling stations and that they were not allowed to sign on the election results declaration forms as provided for in section 42 (1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act.

He said he has about fifty witnesses who are ready to testify and produce evidence when the case comes up for hearing.