Changes to election laws 2016

The Ombudsman Commission moved its application seeking interim orders on Monday before a three-man Supreme Court bench.

Counsel to the Ombudsman, Dr Vergil Narokobi, said section 19(4) of the Supreme Court rules gives the Supreme Court the jurisdiction, or powers, to grant interim relief for such application brought under section 19 of the constitition.

He said under section 19 of the Supreme Court rules, the court can declare a proposed law to be unconstitutional.

In a statement, TIPNG says: “The National Executive Council (NEC) has recently approved three major changes to the laws affecting candidates for elected office: Nomination fees, the campaign period and election petition costs.

“TIPNG sees the proposals as undermining the principle of equality for all.”

Lawrence Stephens, the Chairman of TIPNG, says the proposed rule changes will severely reduce the rights of citizens to participate in future elections.