David Wakias

The Waigani National Court today fixed dates for the two respective petitions that were filed by Pastor Bernard Kaku and Joseph Kobol disputing William Powi's election as Governor-elect.

The issue before court to determine surrounds Powi's declaration under special circumstances which was done by the Electoral Commission pursuant to section 175 of the Organic Law.

Jerry Kiwa, Ps Bernard Paul and Joe Kobol say media plays an important role in disseminating information and must respect its editorial guidelines of reporting facts and balanced stories.

The leaders’ comment came after a wide publication on radio, television and the two daily papers that 5 men were killed over an election riot in Mendi last Friday.

The Supreme Court this afternoon refused to temporary halt his re-instatement after Jacob Kurap took the matter to the high court.

Kurap was appointed in November 2014 but his appointment was found illegal by the National Court.

 Justice Derek Hartshorn who heard the application on Wednesday morning as a Single Supreme Court judge, refused to grant the stay application this afternoon.

Lawyers representing Jacob Kurap came before Justice Derek Hartshorn today with an application seeking to stay the National Court’s decision that upheld David Wakias' judicial review, reinstating him to his former position.

The court after hearing submissions on the application reserved its ruling to a later date.

The National Court on March 17 ruled that PNG Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato’s decision to appoint Jacob Kurap as the Southern Highlands provincial election manager on 4 Nov 2014 was illegal.