Peter Wararu Waranaka

The two-month trial will run from August 1 to September 28 at the Wewak National Court.

Petitioner Peter Wararu Waranaka appeared in person today and informed the Waigani National Court that a video will also be presented as evidence when the petition goes for hearing.

He is alleging instances of bribery against re-elected member Richard Maru and instances of errors and omission at counting against the Electoral Commission.

Waranaka has also filed a review that is pending before the Supreme Court. The review is still in its leave stages.

Justice Collin Makail on Thursday granted the order, restraining second term MP, Richard Maru, and his supporters from interfering, intimidating, threatening and assaulting the witnesses Waranaka intends to use in the petition.

The petition went for directions today, where Waranaka’s lawyer, John Alman, indicated they will be filing a motion seeking protection order of those witnesses.

Alman said they will be filing necessary application seeking to have the court restrain police and supporters of Maru, the first respondent, from intimidating or threatening the petitioner’s witnesses.

In this petition, Waranaka is alleging 22 counts of bribery.