The two election petitions filed disputing the re-election of NCD Governor Powes Parkop has been joined by the Waigani National Court in preparation for trial.
The Election petition trial has been set for hearing for the whole month of June, commencing June 1, 2018.
The two petitions combined for hearing were filed by Michal Kandiu and Andy Bawa, on grounds of errors and omission against the Electoral Commission during the polling at different locations, counting and scrutiny process.
Bawa and Kandiu’s lawyers proposed the consolidation of the petitions which was allowed and ordered accordingly by the court.
Three objections of competency motions, challenging the petitions will be moved in court at the commencement of the trial.
The Social Democratic Party leader was declared on July 28 polling a total of 54 870 votes. The absolute majority was 54 864.
Andy Bawa polled 28 025, while Michael Kandiu collected 26 873.
(Loop PNG File picture of Parkop at declaration.)