This is my five pence take on this matter. The burden of proof of which NASA has to discharge in this case is very high. As per section 83 of the elections Act... “No election shall be declared to be void by reason of non-compliance with any written law relating to that election if it appears that the election was conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Constitution and in that written law or that the non-compliance did not affect the result of the election."
This act has already been given Life by a case precedent...
Raila Odinga and others Vs Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and 3 others, Nairobi, Supreme Court, election petition 5 of 2013 [2013] e KLR while dismissing the Petition held that;
“Where a party alleges non-conformity with the electoral law, the petitioner must not only prove that there has be non-compliance with the law, but that such failure of compliance did affect the validity of the elections. It is on that basis that the respondents bear the burden of proving the contrary. This emerges from a long standing common law approach in respect of alleged irregularity in the acts of public bodies. Omnia praesumuntur rite et solemniter essa acta: all acts are presumed to be done rightly and regularly. So the petitioner must set out by raising firm and credible evidence of the public authority’s departures from the prescriptions of the law”
Not only do you need a water tight proof of evidence, you must also show beyond the threshold of probability but below reasonable doubt that where there's non compliance with Electoral law, the noncompliance must also be as material as to the affect the outcome of the election.
This is a very high burden on which any petition pivots. It is very easy to litigate in the court of public opinion, where rumour, innuendo, allegations and where the voters are very polarised. It is not just a question of coming up with a few form 34As showing clerical errors. The evidence must be so overwhelming not only to dent a fatal blow to that election but to have changed the outcome.
From where I stand, I would be very surprised if this petition was to succeed. I think this is a release valve for NASA after being left with very few options.
Sent using
Jamii Forums mobile app