Case of SHP RO dismissed

The delay in progressing a case that was filed, challenging the appointment of the Southern Highlands Returning officer last month in the Waigani National Court, has resulted in the court dismissing it.

This case was filed by a candidate who contested the Southern Highlands regional seat.

Joseph Kobal filed the case with an urgent application, asking the court to stop returning officer, Jacob Kurap, from performing the duties and function of a Provincial Returning Officer.

This application was refused by Justice Collin Makail, who said the people of Southern Highlands Province deserve a result from the election and the electoral process must be allowed to take its course.

Justice Makail said there is a misconception that every little error in the electoral process must have the intervention of the court.

With that ruling against Kobal on July 20, his lawyers have not returned to court since.

On August 1, the case returned to court, but Kobal’s lawyers did not appear in court and again on Tuesday.

Justice Makail yesterday dismissed the case because Kobal’s lawyer did not progress it quickly to hearing after the court refused to stop Kurap from performing the duties and function of a Provincial Returning Officer.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton