We are not mandated to verify papers; EC explains as MPs get disqualified

Electoral Commission has distanced itself from any accusations that it’s responsible for any person that is disqualified by court on ground of fake academic papers saying it’s not mandated to verify by law. This came after Electoral Commission was accused of nominating candidates who do not meet the required qualifications to contest for any elective office which is costing tax payers money to carry fresh elections.

In an interview with the Commission’s mouth piece Jotham Taremwa he said Electoral Commission has no mandate within the confines of the constitution to verify nor to authenticate the academic papers of candidates saying it’s the mandate of National council for higher education to do so. Taremwa noted that according to the electoral commission act the role of the commission is well stipulated and it is wrong for the public to shift blame on the commission yet by law it’s not mandated disqualify one on academic qualifications.

Last week, the High Court in Kampala declared Busiro South MP seat vacant after NRM’s Peter Ssematimba was found to lack the requisite academic qualifications, also in the same vein the MP for Lugazi Municipality Isaac Mulindwa Ssozi was also thrown out of parliament this week over lack of academic qualifications.