The court of appeal has rejected the appeal by the opposition United National Congress, which challenged the dismissal of its election petitions.

The party has been saying the results of last year’s General Election were skewed by a decision of the Elections and Boundaries Commission to extend the voting time in Trinidad by one hour.

The UNC has said the results in five key constituencies were affected by the EBC’s decision.

Yesterday Chief Justice Ivor Archie and appellate judges Allan Mendonca and Peter Jamadar said the polls were conducted in a free and fair manner.

But the judges also agreed that the ebc overstepped its remit when it decided to extend the voting time.

Nevertheless justice archie said “the population can feel safe that the democratic process has not been undermined

The UNC’s attorney and sometimes senator, Gerard Ramdeen sees victory.

UNC leader Kamla Persad Bissessar accepts the ruling.

Attorney for the Peoples National Movement and Minister in the Attorney General’s Ministry, Stuart Young told reporters yesterday, there will be an attempt to recover costs.

In the ruling and referring to a cross-appeal filed by the EBC, Justice Archie said the court was not in a position to afford the commission the power to make adjustments to an election in extenuating circumstances, such as natural disasters.

He said it is improper for the court to interfere as any rules are in the providence of parliament.

The court of appeal’s decision on the issue is final.

The ruling was delivered after three days of submissions.