Petition

Tari-Pori petition trial commences

Summons were also issued by the court today for the Tari Election manageress and Returning officer to appear in court this Friday.

Following the March 13 ruling which saw 10 of the 13 petition grounds dismissed, parties returned before Justice David Cannings today.

Two preliminary motions were addressed this morning by the court before trial commenced.

James Marape’s lawyer, Robert Leo asked the court to reconsider its decision of March 13, when it dismissed his objection to competency motion.

Committee to respond to Madang petition

Acting provincial administrator, John Bivi, said the administration could not respond to the petition in 48 hours as demanded as they will need more time to look into all the demands.

Bivi claimed most of the demands in the petition were politicised and lacked substance.

He said once the committee completes a draft to respond to the petition, they will give it to Governor Peter Yama for his input.

Bivi also said most leaders involved, or who were allegedly seen amongst the crowds during the stand-off, must also be present to answer to some of the demands.

Manase’s win challenged in court

He filed the petition challenging the election of rival Alfred Manase as Kandep MP.

Polye is alleging bribery, undue influence against Manase and illegal practices, errors and omission against the Electioral Commission in the petition.

A total of eight witnesses will be summoned by his lawyers to appear in court for the trial, on a date that is yet to be set.

Speaking to supporters outside court, he claims the election was rigged and has taken it to the Court of Disputed Returns.

He says the people of Papua New Guinea must stand up for what is far and right.

Police station commander to give evidence

The petition was filed challenging second-term Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko’s win, by Samson Kirilyo.

It went for direction hearing where the police station commander was summoned to give evidence.

A date for the trial will be set after the matter returns for pre-trial conference.

Petitioner Kirilyo is alleging that ballot boxes were tampered with at the Badili station before they were brought to the counting venue.

Mekeo women to protest for gender equality and rights

The protest aims to enhance opportunities for gender equality and women empowerment.

The women claim that for years they have been the scapegoats of taboos and customs.

They have suffered for years from continuous alcohol and drug-related verbal and physical abuse plus sexual violence that has deprived women rights in the rural areas.

The organisers say they aim to speak out for the silent majority and break down the stigma that accompanies so many experiences of violence and abuses.

Unitech students allowed to stage peaceful awareness

Their signed petition to the Prime Minister was received by Minister for Housing, Paul Isikel to be presented to the PM.

Police in Lae have commended the student leaders as well as the general student population of Unitech for their cooperation and discipline in addressing this issue.

The situation at the campus now is quiet with no major incidences reported.

Picture source: Loop file pic

 

UPNG gives O’Neill 24-hour ultimatum

NCD Governor Powes Parkop received the petition from UPNG SRC president Kenneth Rapa today at 2.45pm.

“We petition the Prime Minister to respect the Office of the Prime Minister and step down,” Rapa said in front of more than 5,600 UPNG students, more than 150 Port Moresby Technical College male students and hundreds of concerned citizens.

“We are not motivated by any political party, government, opposition or any individual. We are moved by our patriotic, nationalistic spirit to see a better nation tomorrow. That’s all.”

Students refuse to give Tabar their petition

“We will only give this petition to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill,” UPNG president Kenneth Rapa said this afternoon in front of more than 5,000 students.

The students had waited for the Prime Minister since 10am this morning at the UPNG Forum Square, Waigani campus.

Around 3pm, the ministers convoyed with police escorts to the campus. Accompanying Tabar was Petroleum Minister Ben Micah, Finance Minister James Marape, Works and Implementation Minister Francis Awesa, chief secretary Isaac Lupari and OHE director general Professor David Kavanamur.

Robin Williams' kids ask judge to toss wife's estate claims

Zachary, Zelda and Cody Williams are asking a judge to dismiss a petition filed by Susan Williams.

The December 2014 petition asked the court to exclude the contents of the Tiburon home that she shared with Williams from the jewelry, memorabilia and other items Williams said the children should have.

The children in their Aug. 14 filing say the estate's trustees have determined the division of all of Williams' personal property, and those decisions are final. They accuse Susan Williams of holding on to property that is theirs.

Petition for NBC to cut ties with Trump draws 200,000 names

Posted on the Change.org website, the petition calls out NBC of choosing business over "ethics, principles and values" in the wake of Trump's recent statements when declaring his candidacy for president. 

Among his remarks, the GOP hopeful portrayed immigrants from Mexico as "bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists, and some, I assume, are good people."