By Gabriel Katuho
Yama Election Petition Trial Decision Set for Oct 23
A DECISION on former Madang Governor Sir Peter Yama’s election petition against serving Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa is set to be handed down by the Madang National Court on Monday.
“My voters, supporters, and people of Madang, I take this opportunity to inform you all that the election petition that I filed challenging Pariwa’s election as Madang Governor has been tried on technicalities and competencies issues,” Sir Peter said.
“My challenge on the grounds of undue influence is pending and I am waiting for the decision to be handed down by Justice David Cannings in Madang on October 23 at 9.30am.
“On Oct 3, the Supreme Court rejected Pariwa’s attempt to review the National Court’s decision rejecting his objection to the competency of my petition.
“Justice Hartshorn, sitting as a single judge of the Supreme Court, on rejecting Pariwa’s leave for review said Pariwa’s substantive right to defend the petition was not affected by the decision in question, as he still had that opportunity at trial to defend the petition.”
He said election petitions were mounted on two grounds by any aggrieved person – errors and omissions on the part of the Electoral Commission in administering the election, and illegal (corrupt) practices such as bribery and undue influence on the part of the person elected.
“I have tried Pariwa’s election as Governor-elect on the ground of undue influence,” Sir Peter said.
While looking forward for the court ruling, he issued a statement, thanking his supporters, voters and the Madang people for their continuous support during the trial.
“At this juncture, I want to thank everyone for your prayers and support, including my legal team for their expertise in ensuring my petition was concluded.”
