The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Elections Disputes Tribunal is set to begin hearing petitions arising from the party’s July 17 parliamentary primaries, following widespread complaints of electoral malpractice, including violence and the alleged involvement of underage voters.
The NRM legal team, led by the party’s Director for Legal Affairs, Enoch Barata, has announced that the tribunal will commence hearings on July 29, with proceedings expected to run through to September 1, 2025. The legal team has pledged to handle all complaints with impartiality and professionalism, urging aggrieved candidates to trust in the party’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.
The tribunal is chaired by prominent lawyer John Musime and is composed of eight independent panels. Each panel consists of three experienced legal professionals tasked with receiving, hearing, and resolving complaints from party members dissatisfied with the conduct or outcomes of the primaries.
Most of the petitions submitted so far revolve around allegations of electoral violence and irregularities, including claims that underage children were allowed to vote.The tribunal’s work is seen as a crucial step in upholding internal democracy and restoring confidence within the NRM ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The outcome of the hearings could lead to significant decisions, such as the annulment of results or the ordering of repeat primaries in affected constituencies. The party leadership has emphasized the importance of the process in ensuring justice and fairness.
Hearings will be conducted over a five-week period beginning July 29 at designated tribunal venues, with proceedings expected to wrap up by September 1, 2025. The tribunal’s findings will be communicated thereafter to inform the party’s next steps.
Some candidates have expressed skepticism over the tribunal’s ability to deliver justice. A few have warned that they may contest as independents or leave the party entirely if the process appears compromised.
In response, Barata reassured members of the tribunal of its neutrality and warned that the party would not tolerate impunity or disregard for its constitution.
“All complaints will be investigated thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken,” Barata said.
According to Chairperson Musime, the tribunal’s mandate covers only civil matters. Any criminal issues that emerge during the hearings will be referred to the police and other appropriate security agencies.
He also appealed for calm and cooperation from all petitioners and the wider NRM membership.
“We are dedicated to resolving these disputes fairly, transparently, and within the set time frame. Every petition will be given the attention it deserves,” Musime said.
As the hearings begin, the NRM Secretariat has called on all candidates and their supporters to remain peaceful and to respect the tribunal’s processes. The party hopes that the outcomes will not only resolve the ongoing disputes but also strengthen party unity and enhance its credibility ahead of the national elections.
With the stakes high and tensions rising in some constituencies, the tribunal’s ability to deliver credible and timely judgments will be closely watched both within and beyond the NRM.
