Expeditious legal proceedings is a right to fair hearing, Dr. Richmond Osei-Hwere, a Justice of the High Court, has stated.
On that note, the Justice has advised that issues related to election petitions, particularly parliamentary cases, be expedited in order not to deny people justice by delaying it.
He says that the maxim, ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ should serve as a reminder to stakeholders to hear election-related cases faster, since prolonging them deny the parties justice.
Speaking Sunday, September 29, 2024, at a conference on the judiciary and elections, he underscored the need not to delay on election-related matters.
When such cases are delayed, the legitimacy of elected officials to rule, according to Justice Dr Osei-Hwere, is undermined, with speculation over their right to lead becoming the order of the day.
“In the interest of justice, electoral disputes should be adjudicated promptly. The right to fair hearing demands expeditious legal proceedings. The maxim ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ requires election petitions to be heard and determined promptly,” he said.
The Justice bemoaned the tag on the judiciary as being biased when such cases remain unresolved for a long time, something he says puts their image into disrepute.
Also, whilst delayed adjudication of election cases prevents victors from enjoying their litigation triumph, it also grants illegitimate persons the opportunity to rule without claim.
In this light, Dr Osei-Hwere stressed the importance of swift resolution of parliamentary election disputes, similar to the approach used in presidential disputes.
Source:onuaonline.com