Singirok’s petition set for trial

One of the two election petitions that were filed disputing Peter Yama’s election as Madang regional member has been set for trial.

The election petition filed by Retired Defense Force Commander Major-General Jerry Singirok has been set for trial from 8th to 9th of February 2018 at the Madang National Court.

In this petition, Singirok is alleging that there were acts of bribery and undue influence during the elections

He is also raising questions on election runner-up, James Yali’s qualification to nominate and stand for election. Yali is not a party to that petition.

In a related petition filed by Yali, also challenging Yama’s election, he is alleging errors and omissions and irregularities during courting by electoral officials.

The matter filed by Yali came for pre-trial conference today but was adjourned to later this month for Yali’s lawyer to seek instructions and inform the court if the two petitions should be joined.

A date is yet to be set for the later petition. 

Yama was declared Madang Regional MP on August 1 with 85 382 votes. Runner up Yali polled 72 763 votes.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton