Contempt trial against EC starts

A trial against the former Electoral Commissioner and two others over the Madang Open by-election recount in 2014 has commenced at the Waigani National Court.

Madang Businessman Peter Yama is seeking contempt charges against former Electoral  Commissioner Sir Andrew Trawen, the returning officer involved in the Madang Open by-election recount in 2014, Simon Sinai, and their lawyer Harvey Nii.

He alleges that they misled the national court with wrong information when the court was dealing with an election petition filed by Yama challenging the election of current Madang Open MP Nixon Duban.

The contempt trial has commenced before Justice Collin Makail by way of affidavits or statements.

Those statements were tendered in court on Thursday. The matter was adjourned to next week where submissions will be made from parties in the case.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton