Extension of LC1 and LC2 Election is a Tactic to Bar Opposition – Rukungiri NUP Chairperson Claims
RUKUNGIRI: The Chairperson of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Party in Rukungiri District, Robert Mugabe, has expressed concerns that the government’s decision to extend the LC1 and LC2 elections is a tactic to prevent opposition members from contesting.
The Ministry of Local Government extended the term of office for local councils (LCs) by 180 days for the third time, following the expiration of their current term. This extension allows current chairpersons to remain in their roles for another six months before an election is held.
Raphael Magyezi, the Minister of Local Government, defended the extension, citing the Ministry of Finance’s failure to provide the Shs50Bn needed by the Electoral Commission to organize elections.
However, this extension has raised concerns among the public. Recently, former Bukimbiri parliamentary aspirant Counsel James Owebeyi Mugyemanyi dragged the government to court to challenge the decision, arguing that the terms of office for LC1 and LC2 have already expired and that Minister Magyezi’s extensions lack legal justification.
Robert Mugabe, the Rukungiri District NUP Chairperson, asserts that the government’s decision to extend the election is a deliberate move to prevent opposition members from assuming these offices. He claims that the decision has hindered service delivery in communities, as opposition parties have no opportunity to secure these roles, leading to poor leadership.
