Madang Regional petition unique: Judge

The election surrounding the Madang Regional seat is unique as it involves a parolee standing for election, says a judge of the National Court.

Justice Collin Makail of the Waigani National Court yesterday (Friday) said from observation, it is a unique case as it involves a parolee who contested the election.

He said from past observation, the National Court has been asked to give its opinion on the age and citizenship of parties involved in petitions, but not one involving a parolee.

He made the comments when dealing with two petitions that were filed disputing Peter Yama’s election as Madang Regional MP.

Yama’s lawyer Ben Lomai had previously indicated proposing the possible referral of questions to the Supreme Court. However, a draft of the proposed questions have since not been provided to the National Court.

Retired Defense Force Commander, Major-General Jerry Singirok’s lawyer Brandon Lai, said it is up to Yama to make a case for the referral as a trial date has already been set.

The trial has been fixed for February 8-9 at the Madang National Court.

Election runner-up, James Yali, whose qualification to contest in the election was queried, also filed a petition disputing Yama’s win.

His lawyer, Frederick Lunge, said the matter raised by Yama needs no referral to the Supreme Court for interpretation but for the trial judge to decide.

Justice Makail adjourned the case to give an opportunity for Yama’s lawyer, who is out of the country, to consider if they still want to raise the issue of referral to the Supreme Court.

The two petitions have been adjourned to January 23 to hear parties further on the issue of referral.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton