By Nasratu Kargbo
Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has assured the nation of speedy adjudication of cases related to electoral offences. He made this statement on the 21st of June 2023 at the launch of the second compendium of laws on elections.
Speaking on the purpose of the compendium of laws, the Chief Justice explained that sometimes when lawyers present cases, they encounter difficulties to get the source material, which according to him can cause delay. He added that was why they decided to get a fuller compendium of laws.
The Chief Justice stated that they had a set of compendiums which was for the 2018 elections, explaining that it has been revised and that they now have two volumes.
Highlighting the content of volumes one and two of the compendium of laws, Edwards explained that they contain all laws that are related to elections, a list of cases that are election-related and international instruments the country is a party to.
He stated that the work was sponsored by UNDP, Irish Aid, EU and Canada.
In another event on the same day, whilst responding to questions from Commonwealth Elections Observers on their preparedness for elections, Justice Edwards stated that they put together the compendium to ensure judges get an easier reference.
He stated that twenty-six Judges have been assigned to the Elections Offences and Petitions Court, explaining that they will be charged with the responsibility of covering the entire electoral cycle as provided for by law.
The Chief Justice said the training was organized for judges of the superior court of judicature and registrar in order to equip them in handling all cases in a timely manner, stating that the training was organized by the judiciary with support from the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI).
Speaking on the strides made in communication, Edwards said that the communication unit is presently rolling out strategic communication messages which are aimed at educating the public on how to access electoral court across the country, electoral offences and civil remedies.
He told the Observers that under his administration the Judiciary has moved from being a conservative institution to a transparent and accountable one that is open to public scrutiny.
Edwards added that the institution’s day-to-day activities are no longer shrouded in secrecy, noting that cameras are now allowed to broadcast live from the courtroom, whilst the Communications Unit does a great job at informing the public on the institution’s operations.
“Before I took over in 2018, our Judiciary was ranked among the most conservative institutions in the country as is the case with other jurisdictions in the Sub-region, but that narrative has been completely changed with my administration more committed now than ever before to transparent, accountable and efficient justice delivery", he said.
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