By Tolit Ivan
Alfred Okwonga, the incumbent Gulu City Mayor, has finally conceded defeat and dropped his earlier plans to petition court to challenge the victory of independent candidate Acire Julius Labeja in the just concluded Gulu City Mayoral Election.
Gunya emerged victorious as Gulu City Mayor-elect. He defeated five other candidates, polling 12,281 votes.
Okwonga came second with 9,586 votes. Other independent candidates included Obonyo Marc Anthony with 1,023 votes, Okello Jonathan Snoop with 443 votes, Okello Denis Oweka with 340 votes, and Obonyo Patrick Wokorach with 67 votes.
Okwonga had earlier on revealed plans to challenge Labeja’s victory on numerous grounds including ballot stuffing, multiple voting, voter bribery, intimidation and interference with both voting and tallying process, an act he says undermined the constitutional requirements for free, fair and credible elections.
While addressing journalists on Monday, Okwonga conceded defeat saying he will not proceed with his earlier plans accusing the National Resistance Movement Secretary General Richard Todwong for his loss since he went against the party constitution to back an independent candidate against the official flag bearer.
On Saturday, Todwong admitted fronting Labeja Gunya against Okwonga saying doesn’t regret and won’t apologize.
Todwong said Okwonga was unsure about which position he wanted to contest. He added that, as Secretary General, he opted to support Labeja.
