MPs want by-elections be limited to two years before the general parliamentary elections

By; Francis Lubega

A section of Members of Parliament is calling for a review of the Parliamentary Elections Act to lengthen the period within which by-elections cannot be held.

The current law limits holding by-elections within six months before the Parliamentary general election.

But the MPs want this period extended to at least two years, arguing that putting a limit to by-elections will save the country’s money and incidents of chaos often seen during by-elections.

About 20 by-elections have been held since the 2016 General Election some of which have turned bloody.

Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya says by-elections have become a do or die between government and members of the opposition, some of who inject billions of Shillings which is contrary to the law.

According to Kumi Municipality MP Cyrus Augon, holding an election a year to the General Election is meaningless and comes with financial challenges to the country.

However, Buliisa County MP Stephen Biraahwa Mukitale says that a by-election is unforeseen and that an area cannot be excluded from representation in cases where the initial process has been rendered void.

The Spokesperson of the Electoral Commission, Jotham Taremwa says the role of EC is to implement legislation as enacted by Parliament.