Minister Otengo wants recount of votes in Moroto County

Hearing of election petition in which Alebtong woman MP Rebecca Amuge Otengo who is also the Minister of State for Northern Uganda is seeking recount of votes is schedule to take place Thursday before  Lira Chief Magistrate.

Otengo contested for the Moroto County seat together with six others and  one of her rivals Samuel Okwir was declared winner by Alebtong Returning Officer Christine Eyu. Okwir got 14,463 against Otengo's  11,966 votes.

Otengo is seeking for a recount of ballots in all polling stations in Abia, Aloi and Akura Sub Counties under the supervision of the court.

Otengo alleged in her sworn affidavit that the transmission, tallying and declaration of results was done in contravention of the law which culminated into declaration of Samuel Okwir as a duly elected Member of Parliament for Moroto Constituency whereas not.

She further alleged that the Returning Officer illegally and unlawfully included the results of 22 polling stations from Aloi Sub County which she had earlier before the final tally declined on account of irregularities and absence of declaration of results forms but later considered under coercion, pressure and undue influence exerted by supporters of Samuel Okwir.

Otengo said the exercise of vote counting, tallying and declaration of results was not free, fair and transparent and was marred with errors.

She alleged that she was informed by her agents that she got the highest number of votes but the Returning officer declared her otherwise.

"It's in interest of justice and the principal of free, fairness and transparency that a recount be considered," Otengo pleaded to court.

The case came up in court before Chief Magistrate Alex Mushabe Karocho on Tuesday and was adjourned to Wednesday to give time to respective lawyers to file their papers in court. Mushabe said hearing must take place on Thursday to give him time to make his ruling on the matter.

Otengo is suing the Election Commission and Samuel Okwir in this case. she is being represented by Bakaluba Fred of Busingye and Co. Advocates. Okwir is being represented by Isaac Okae and Patrick Adar and the election Commission is being represented by Lugoloobi Hamidu