Two allegations in the petition disputing James Marape’s election as Tari-Pori MP in the Waigani National Court have been struck out.
One ground alleging bribery and undue influence respectively were struck out this morning after Marape’s lawyer, Robert Leo, successfully moved a no-case submission before Justice David Cannings.
Following the commencement of trial on Wednesday afternoon, petitioner Johnny Pokaya presented his evidence and witnesses in court.
This morning Marape moved a no-case submission saying there was no case for him to answer to as the petitioner did not provide enough evidence to sustain the allegations.
Ground 4 alleging bribery committed by Marape at Andawale ward 2, in the Tebi LLG on Sunday 25 June 2017, and Ground 7 which alleges undue influence committed by the sitting MP’s brother at Pai 2 ward, Tebi LLG, were struck out.
What now remains in the petition is ground one, which is a bribery allegation.
The bribery allegation relates to K10,000 cash that Marape allegedly gave to the President of the Tebi LLG and others at Paipali village, in Tari-Urban LLG, on Sunday 25th June 2017.
The trial continues this afternoon.
Marape will be calling in witnesses to give evidence against the remaining bribery allegation.
(Picture: Tari-Pori MP and Finance Minister James Marape addressing his supporters outside court)