Duban withdraws petition against Kramer

Election petitions do not impede members from service delivery, says Madang open MP, Bryan Kramer.

The first term MP, says members can still have access to their DSIP, whilst defending an election petition in court.

“The only time they should be worried, is if he’s found guilty. That is only when the court will intervene and remove him from office.

“So if you are a member of parliament and if your election is being challenged, you have no excuse what so ever, to take issue.  You welcome it, get on with the job (service delivery).

“If you want to occupy public office, it comes with that (public office), your election will be challenged.

“This is where proper leaders need to step up, and not go to the media and complain about, their election petitions affecting their service delivery,” Kramer said.

The petition challenging his election, by former member, Nixon Duban was withdrawn today.

Duban’s lawyer, on instructions, withdrew the petition, which was filed on allegations of bribery, and undue influence and one on errors and omissions against the Electoral Commission.

On Monday, Kramer filed an application to have the petition dismissed, on grounds of non-compliance to certain orders by Duban.

Even before that application was moved in court, Duban’s lawyer asked for the petition to be withdrawn.

Leave was granted by Justice Collin Makail for the petition to be withdrawal.

Duban will pay the cost of the petition, while the K5000 security fee for the petition will be paid to Kramer and the Electoral Commission.

“The challenge against myself is now no longer before the court. I can now be free to continue carrying out service delivery to the people of Madang.

“I welcome petitions, I took no issue with the former member filing, but he’s now withdrawn the proceedings so I can now carry out my duties in the next five years to ensure the people of Madang are properly served in Parliament,” Kramer added.

 

 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton