By JOSHUA ARLO
FORMER Western Highlands governor Paias Wingti has obtained a restraining order preventing the Electoral Commission from destroying ballot boxes with ballots cast for the Regional seat.
National Court judge Justice Mark Sevua granted his application in Waigani last Friday.
Mr Wingti wants the ballots to be kept at a “safe” place for a recount pending an election petition which he intends to file.
Counsel Alfred Manase said the order had been served on the commission which subsequently sealed the boxes in a container.
Two others were also named as defendants – Western Highlands provincial returning officer Kala Rawali and an unidentified individual.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court adjourned a hearing involving newly-elected New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan and the National Alliance (NA) party to Sept 7.
At a directions hearing last Friday, both parties agreed for the matter to be returned to court for mention.
Sir Julius is challenging the validity of Sir Michael Somare serving another term as prime minister.
He is claiming that section 63 of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003 is void for uncertainty.
He says the section is incomplete and arouses uncertainty as to the validity of the election of the prime minister and should therefore be struck out.

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