level standard or its equivalent by the National Council of Higher Education. He denied that he personally or through his agents with his knowledge, consent or approval committed numerous election offences and illegal practices, which affected the final results in a substantial manner. He prayed for the dismissal of the petition with costs. The second respondent in its answer contended that the nomination and conduct of elections were carried out in accordance with principles of transparency, free and fair elections laid down in the electoral laws of Uganda and that the results 10 in the constituency reflected the true will of the majority voters. In the alternative but without prejudice, the 2nd respondent contended that if there were any irregularities or non-compliance with electoral laws, such noncompliance did not affect the results in a substantial manner. It, too, prayed for the dismissal of the petition with costs. The third respondent in its answer averred that it carried out consultation with Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) before issuing the first respondent with a certificate of equivalency in 2010. It was further the case for the third respondent that once UNEB has duly 20 verified any qualifications following consultation there is no requirement for repeated or fresh consultation with UNEB for every new election as once a certificate is granted by NCHE for election, it is valid for future elections. 5