The Electoral Commission (EC) offices have been vacant for three days now following the expiration of the tenure of the commissioners on January 7, putting on a standstill any policy related activities.
The EC said in a statement that the Members of the Commission successfully completed their term of office for the period 7th January 2017 to 7th January 2024 and it has been established that the commissioners have not reported to office since.
Paul Bukenya, the EC spokesperson said the commissioners include Chairperson Simon Byabakama, his deputy Hajat Aisha Lubega, Peter Emorut, Stephen Tashobya, Ms Nathaline Etomaru and Hajj Mustapha Ssebagala.
The seventh member, Ms Justine Ahabwe, left office last month following the expiry of her second term.
Faruk Kirunda, the deputy Presidential press secretary told our reporter that President Museveni had, as of yesterday, not made any appointments.
Article 60 of the Constitution which establishes the EC provides a seven-year tenure for the commissioners, renewable only once.
Legally therefore, Justice Byabakama and the team are no longer eligible for reappointment.
The President under the law appoints EC commissioners, who are then vetted and approved by Parliament’s Appointments Committee chaired by the Speaker.
The director for communication and public affairs at Parliament Chris Obore yesterday said they had not received any communication in regard to appointees.
