Revealing four steps after the Election Commission (EC) ruled on the Senate vote-rigging case: 77 of 427 individuals were accused. All blue party politicians were cleared, while 26 current senators were implicated.
1. The EC must complete its ruling on the Senate election case within 60 days.
When complaints or suspicions arise regarding Senate election irregularities, the EC must investigate and finalize the case ruling within a 60-day timeframe.
2. Filing a petition with the Supreme Court within 60 days.
If the investigation uncovers fraud, the EC must submit a petition to the Supreme Court to request judicial review, also within 60 days.
3. Supreme Court accepts the petition; accused senators must suspend duties pending verdict.
Once the EC files the petition and the Supreme Court accepts it, under Section 226, Paragraph 5 of the 2017 Constitution (and the 2018 Senate Membership Act), the accused senators must immediately suspend their duties to prevent misuse of power until a court verdict is issued.
4. If the Supreme Court rules the senator guilty, their membership ends from the suspension date.
If the court finds the accused guilty and issues a verdict, the senator’s membership ends immediately from the suspension date. Typically, those convicted in election cases are disqualified from running again and may face further legal action.