Yama seeks to be declared Governor
FIREBRAND former MP Peter Yama’s lawyers are seeking that he be declared governor of Madang province.
Alternately, there must be a by-election.
The orders are being sought in an election petition to be heard before Justice Bernard Sakora in the Madang National Court this morning.
Mr Yama is disputing the election of Sir Arnold Amet as governor of Madang.
Mr Yama’s lawyers will argue that there was undue influence when Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare at Bangpala in Lower Ramu, Bogia district, said during campaigning, that Mr Yama’s practice of going to court would not be good for Madang town.
It is understood Sir Michael’s son and Angoram MP Arthur Somare has filed an affidavit on behalf of Sir Arnold.
At Karkar Island at Kebasop, and then again at Sir Arnold’s village, Bangme during campaigning, Mr Yama’s lawyers said the people were urged not to vote for people practising polygamy.
This is a submission and not a petition.
At Megiar on the north coast of Madang, his lawyers will allege that the voters were urged not to vote for Mr Yama because he would open up Madang to domination by Highlanders.
Points in the petition against the Electoral Commission include allegations that at Kinim station on Karkar Island, more than 10,000 votes were substituted for Sir Arnold’s while Mr Yama’s were burnt at sea.
It is claimed that between 3,000 to 4,000 votes belonging to Mr Yama were dumped at the Madang refuse disposal area.
The lawyers will contend that there was co-orporation between police and soldiers.
Another point in the petition will be that more than 6,767 votes from Madang town belonging to Mr Yama were not added onto his tally. He received 1,000 votes.
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