First instance body dealing with electoral disputes

Contested Parliamentary ElectionCases

Article (111): Any personwith vested interest in the electoral process shall have the right to contestthe results of parliamentary elections. Contests shall be submitted to theSupreme Court within (72) hours following the declaration of resultsappertaining to any given constituency. Each contest shall be based onreasons and shall be confined to election and vote-counting procedures. Eachcontestant shall be required to deposit with the Court the total sum of YR50,000 as a guarantee to be refunded in full if contest is sustained by Court.The same amount however shall be forfeited and credited to the State Treasuryif the contest is overturned by Court. 

Article (112): The Supreme Court shall create a consultative body toinvestigate contested election cases. The consultative body shall be composedof heads of courts of appeals or their deputies. In view of recommendationsforwarded by the consultative body with reference to the issues at stake, theSupreme Court shall issue its verdict(s) no later than (10) days from receiptof such recommendations and before the elected council holds its first session.The Supreme Court’s rulings shall be final and irrevocable and shall becommunicated to the Supreme Committee in due course. 

Article (113): The Supreme Court shall grant the winning candidate access to acopy of the electoral contest lodged against him/her. The candidate shall thenbe required to submit his/her defense in writing within (4) days followinglegal notification of the case in focus. 

Article (114): The sheer submission of contests shall neither deter the SupremeCommittee from announcing final election results nor shall such cases preventsame Committee from awarding successful candidates certificates confirmingtheir status as winners. Pending resolution of contentious issues, winningcandidates shall be entitled to attend parliamentary sessions.

Source: General elections and referenda Law Number 13 of 2011,