[2006] UGHC 22

[2006] UGHC 22

The respondent's affidavit in reply was filed five days after the expiry of the mandatory three-day period prescribed by Rule 7 of the Parliamentary Elections (Appeals to the High Court from Commission) Rules. No satisfactory reasons for the delay were advanced, and the respondent's oral application for extension of...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2006] UGHC 22
Parties
Applicant: Nelson Sande Ndungo; Respondent: Electoral Commission
Court
High Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
HCT - 01 - CV - EP - 0004 of 2006
Procedural Posture
Election Petitions / Judgment
Outcome
Petition allowed; respondent's decision set aside; petitioner reinstated as candidate; damages claim rejected; half taxed costs awarded to petitioner.
Legal Topics
Election Petition Procedure, Affidavit Filing Deadlines, Disqualification of Candidate, Judicial Discretion Extension of Time
Source Language
en
Administrative Law Election Petition Procedure Affidavit Filing Deadlines Disqualification of Candidate Judicial Discretion Extension of Time

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 4 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Nelson Sande Ndungo

Applicant

Electoral Commission

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Election Petitions / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the respondent's affidavit in reply was filed out of time contrary to Rule 7 of the Parliamentary Elections (Appeals to the High Court from Commission) Rules.
  2. 2 Whether the court should strike out the respondent's affidavit and annexures for late filing.
  3. 3 Whether the petitioner is entitled to reinstatement as a candidate and to damages for disqualification.

Ratio Decidendi

The respondent's affidavit in reply was filed five days after the expiry of the mandatory three-day period prescribed by Rule 7 of the Parliamentary Elections (Appeals to the High Court from Commission) Rules. No satisfactory reasons for the delay were advanced, and the respondent's oral application for extension of time was made belatedly and without supporting grounds. The court found that the time limit in Rule 7 is mandatory, not merely directory, and that failure to comply results in the affidavit and its annexures being struck off. Article 126(2)(e) of the Constitution does not override clear procedural rules regarding time limits. With the respondent's affidavit struck off, the...

Court Disposition

Petition allowed; respondent's decision set aside; petitioner reinstated as candidate; damages claim rejected; half taxed costs awarded to petitioner.

Orders

  • The respondent's affidavit in reply and all annexures are struck off.
  • The decision of the Electoral Commission disqualifying the petitioner is set aside.