Judicial Integrity Questioned: Chief Justice Secretary Appointed Returning Officer

The appointment of Chandragosh Keenoo, who serves as the secretary to Chief Justice Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, as the Returning Officer for Constituency No. 14 (Savanne/Black River) has sparked significant controversy within the judiciary. This marks the first instance in which a secretary to the Chief Justice has held such a position, a role that previous holders had declined due to ethical concerns.

While there are no explicit rules prohibiting Mr. Keenoo from assuming this role, his status as the Chief Justice’s secretary raises potential conflict of interest issues.

Following general elections, there is a likelihood that election petitions may be filed to challenge the results.

These cases are typically adjudicated by the Chief Justice, which places Mr. Keenoo in a precarious position.

On a day-to-day basis, Mr. Keenoo manages files directly related to the Chief Justice’s cases, closely intertwining his tasks with judicial matters.

Traditionally, it is considered best practice for magistrates or officials from the Attorney General’s office who serve as Returning Officers to refrain from involvement in electoral matters to avoid any perceived bias.

This raised a critical question: How can someone who actively participated in organizing the elections as a Returning Officer effectively oversee the same cases if disputes arise before the Chief Justice?

Insider l’Express sources suggested that acquaintances of Mr. Keenoo have advised him to step down from this role, but he appears reluctant to do so.

Furthermore, the situation could become more complicated if a political party decides to file an injunction against his appointment just days before the election, citing conflict of interest or “the perception of bias.”

Many observers argued that Mr. Keenoo should have either declined the nomination from the outset or withdrawn to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

Should he choose to remain in this position, the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, the sole body equipped to address such issues, may need to act swiftly to resolve this sensitive matter.

Source: l’Express