The Kompiam Ambum Open Seat in Enga Province held by veteran politician Sir John Pundari has been vigorously challenged by two different petitioners disputing his win.
Petitioner Samson Phannaphen’s case against Sir John Pundari was fixed for trial and will be heard at the Wabag National Court from May 06-26 next year.
Similarly, another petitioner Peter Yakos election petition will proceed into trial that is set to take place in the month of March 2024, also in Wabag.
Meanwhile, petitioner Samson Phannaphen appealed to supporters back in the district to maintain peace and normalcy as the two petitions have reached trial separately.
Incumbent MP Sir John Thomas Pundari was first elected as the Kompiam Ambum Open MP in 1997.
Sir Pundari vacated his seat in the 2002 National General Elections to challenge Enga governor Sir Peter Ipatas but lost to him.
Pundari came back in 2007 to claim his previous seat from one term MP Dickson Maki and still remains as the MP to this day.
The political knight has held senior ministerial portfolios spanning from 1992 which includes the Deputy Prime Minister post and Speaker plus other senior ministerial portfolios accordingly.
*Attached is a photo showing Kompiam Ambum Open MP Sir John Thomas Pundari (left) and petitioner Samson Phannaphen.
