Electoral Commission Stands Firm Against Party Demands
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has refused to cancel the registration of candidates in party lists. This is because electoral law does not allow for such cancellations until newly-elected deputies have been notified.
Three parties – “Unity-National Movement”, “Coalition for Change“, and another group called “Coalition for Change” – had asked the CEC to cancel their candidate lists. But the commission says these parties are trying to manipulate the system.
According to the CEC, electoral law is clear. A party can only cancel its candidates after recognizing the authority of elected members of parliament. Similarly, a candidate can withdraw his candidacy at any time, but must inform the CEC in writing.
The CEC statement said: “We explain that according to Article 120 of the Election Code, a party participating in elections has the right…to cancel the decision to nominate candidates for membership in the parliament who remain on the party list.”
In this case, the parties involved – “Unity-National Movement”, “Coalition for Change”, and another group called “National Movement of Unity” – have made statements about their requests.