The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Tororo has dismissed with costs a vote recount application filed by Dr. Otaala Otiam Emmanuel, the incumbent Member of Parliament for West Budama County South, against his rival, Oketcho George of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The application sought a recount of votes in eight polling stations located in Osia Sub-county, the home area of George Oketcho. However, Chief Magistrate Irene Nambatya ruled that the application was without merit, finding that it lacked sufficient legal and factual grounds to warrant a recount.
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Dr. Otaala, who lost the January 15 parliamentary election by a margin of 227 votes, had alleged ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and discrepancies in voter numbers. In her ruling, the magistrate held that the court could not be compelled to order a recount across the sub-county based on the evidence presented.
Dr. Emmanuel Otaala and George Oketcho React to the Court Ruling
Following the decision, Dr. Otaala indicated that he intends to pursue the matter further by filing a substantive application in the High Court once Oketcho George is formally gazetted. He maintained that his actions are driven by a commitment to seek justice on behalf of his constituents.
Meanwhile, Oketcho George welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for the will of the electorate. He credited his success to the support of voters and the efforts of his legal team, and pledged to diligently serve the people of West Budama County South when he assumes office in Parliament.
