Judiciary intervenes to prevent delays to national election

The judiciary has intervened to extend the term of the electoral commission (IHEC) board, paving the way for elections to take place in October.

In an unexpected move, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) issued a decision on Wednesday granting the commissioners an additional two-year term. This decision was made in response to a request submitted by IHEC, whose term had expired on January 6. Parliament had been scheduled to meet last Sunday to vote on an extension but failed to convene.

The legal basis for the SJC’s decision rests on two key points: first, under the IHEC law, the judiciary is responsible for appointing IHEC commissioners; second, given parliament’s failure to act, the judiciary stepped in to ensure elections occur on time within constitutional limits and to safeguard the peaceful transfer of power.