NRM tribunal voids youth league poll in big blow to the Tangas

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Election Disputes Tribunal has nullified the election of Collins Tanga, as chairperson of the NRM Youth League, citing widespread irregularities and non-compliance with party regulations.

The decision followed petitions and complaints that questioned the credibility of the election process.

The tribunal, chaired by John Musiime with members Diana Kasabiiti and Esau Isingoma, invoked Regulation 45(6), which empowers it to declare an election void when non-compliance substantially affects the outcome.

In its ruling, the panel observed that the tallying process and records from the disputed election were tainted and unreliable, making it impossible to declare any of the petitioners duly elected.

Musiime noted that the only remedy was to nullify the results and direct a fresh poll for chairperson of the NRM Youth League in strict compliance with the party constitution, regulations, and polling guidelines.

The tribunal further ordered that Dr. Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the NRM electoral commission and father of Tanga Collins who had played a central role in the contested election, not to preside over or participate in the conduct of the new poll.

Responsibility for the exercise was instead placed on the remaining commissioners of the NRM electoral commission, who were described as a collegiate body fully capable of managing the process independently.

According to the ruling, the declaration of Tanga as youth league chairperson is therefore null and void.

The tribunal emphasized that this decision is aimed at restoring confidence in the party’s internal electoral system.

It stressed the importance of credible and transparent processes in strengthening democratic practices within the ruling party and preventing disputes that have historically marred such exercises.

The NRM youth league is a key organ of the party, responsible for mobilizing young people and preparing future leaders.

By annulling the disputed results and calling for a new election, the tribunal has set a precedent on how internal party disputes should be resolved, reinforcing accountability, fairness, and adherence to democratic principles.