Sumkar petition withdrawn

Another election petition that was filed in the Court of Disputed Returns has been withdrawn.

This time, it’s the petition filed by former chief justice and Madang governor Sir Arnold Amet over the Sumkar seat.

Sir Arnold filed the petition against Sumkar MP Chris Nangoi.

Nangoi’s lawyer informed the court on Monday that a notice of discontinuance in the proceeding was filed by Sir Arnold’s lawyer on Oct 5.

The court accordingly allowed the withdrawal of the petition and ordered for the security bond fee of K5,000 to be refunded to the petitioner.

A total of 77 petitions have been filed in court. Most have gone for directions hearing and dates will be set once lawyers sort their witness statements and evidence to present at trial.

Meanwhile, Election Petition Judge Administrator, Justice Collin Makail, says he anticipates trial to commence as early as November for some petitions.

That progress however will depend on the lawyers involved in the petitions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton