2012 election

Date set for hearing on Kandep open applications

The Supreme Court will hear and determine the consolidated review that has four applications filed before it proceeds to hearing the substantive issue. Each party in the case has filed two applications.

The matter came for directions today where Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia directed Supreme Court registry to prepare the appeal books.

Parties are expected to file extracts of arguments by next Monday (June 26).

Polye steps down as PNG opposition leader

After a successful election petition by the seat's runner-up, Alfred Manase, the court yesterday ruled that five ballot boxes in Mr Polye's Kandep electorate were not properly counted by the Electoral Commission.

Sam Basil is to be the new opposition leader after Mr Polye today announced he respected the court decision and would step aside.

The Kandep leader has however voiced concern over the fairness of the decision, suggesting it had a political dimension to it, coming towards the end of PNG's five year parliamentary term.