Justice Walia says UDC has reasonable appeal cases

Justice Walia
Justice Walia

Court of Appeal (CoA) Judge Lakhvinder Singh Walia has said that the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has reasonable arguable cases on elections appeal hence he found no reason for refusing the expedited hearing of the appeals.

The 15 applicants, including the UDC leader Duma Boko, who were unsuccessful candidates in October 23, 2019 parliamentary elections had petitioned the High Court challenging the results. The petitions were heard by the High Court in three tranches. In each petition there was one dissenting ruling and by majority decision each petition was dismissed, the court in each case upholding the respondents’ (Botswana Democratic Party candidates) preliminary technical issues. 

Justice Walia said at a roll call yesterday, the parties reached a consensus that sufficient reason exists for the expedited hearing of the appeals and that the appeals be consolidated. He also said that the appeals would be heard on January 29, 2020.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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