The Waigani National court is hearing arguments on four motions objecting the competency of the two election petitions, that were filed disputing Philip Undialu’s election as Hela governor.
Justice Ellenas Batari this morning, heard arguments on the objection Undialu’s lawyer filed in response to the petition, Dr Hewali Hemia filed.
Undialu’s lawyer Goiye Gileng, submitted in court that Dr Hemia’s petition lacked the material facts to support the allegations of illegal practice by the Electoral Commission.
Dr Hemia is challenging the whole electoral process by which Undialu was elected governor. He claims the process from polling, to counting, scrutiny and elimination was not done right.
It is alleged excess ballot papers were brought into some of the wards for polling.
He also alleged the Electoral Commission had done errors and omission in the election process.
The Electoral Commission also filed an objection in response to Dr Hemia’s petition. This will be moved for arguments to be made in court after Undialu’s motion is heard.
Two other objections, challenging another petition Francis Potape filed will also be argued in court later this week.
Evidence in the two petitions will be presented in court, pending the outcome of the competency issues that Governor Undialu and the Electoral Commission is now presenting in court through the four motions.
Hearing on competency issues continue at Waigani.
Picture: File picture of petitioner Dr Hemia outside court last week.