Tari-Pori petition dismissed

The second petition disputing James Marape’s election as Tari- Pori MP was dismissed at the Waigani National Court.

Justice Jeffrey Shephard dismissed the petition at the competency stage yesterday, preventing it from going to trial.

Second runner-up in the Tari-Pori seat, Justin Haiara, filed the petition on 18 August 2017, disputing James Marape’s declaration of 9 July 2017. 

Marape and the Electoral Commission in response filed two motions, on 6 September and 6 November 2017 respectively, challenging the validity of Haiara’s petition.

Yesterday (Aug 23) the National Court handed its decision of the two objection to competency motions.

Three specific grounds challenging the petition were addressed.

Marape and the Electoral Commission said the petition was filed one day late and so was the security deposit of K5,000. The court dismissed these two grounds.

The third objection ground was on the incorrect citation of Marape’s name.

The petitioner named the 1st respondent as James Marabe and not James Marape, as he is known for which also is consistent with the name he nominated, campaigned and voted under as in the common roll.

Justice Shephard said the petitioner denied himself the opportunity to amend the fundamental error as it was filed on the 40th day, dismissing the entire petition.

The other petition also disputing Marape’s election by Johnny Pokaya was dismissed on 3 May.

(James Marape, left, and his supporters outside the courtroom)

Author: 
Sally Pokiton