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By JOSHUA ARLO
TWELVE unattended election petitions from last week are expected to be
heard today in court by National Court judge Justice Mark Sevua.
Since last Tuesday, the unavailability of a judge to hear these
petitions listed for directions hearings left them unattended as Justice
Sevua had stepped down from managing the petitions last Monday.
However, as of yesterday, the court registry announced that Justice
Sevua would resume hearing the petitions today and had advised that all
parties and their lawyers be present in court.
The election petitions are for losing candidate for Henganofi Open in
Eastern Highlands Robert Atiyafa against Electoral Commissioner Andrew
Trawen, Eastern Highlands provincial election manager Jimmy Alwyn and
the Electoral Commission.
Mr Atiyafa is disputing the election and return of writ for his
electorate and is seeking orders, among others, for a recount and
declare the election of Ferao Orimiyo invalid.
Another Eastern Highlands petition set for directions hearing today is
by Jeffery Kuave against Lufa Open MP Yawa Silupa.
Election petitions from Southern Highlands province are Hami Yawari
against Governor Anderson Agiru for the Regional seat, James Embiap
against Isaac Josephs and Electoral Commission for Mendi Open, Robert
Kapoal against Philemon Embel and others for Nipa Kutubu Open while Komo
Magarima MP Francis Potape Mulungu has two petitions challenging him
from Eno Tanda and Aluago Alfred Kaiabe.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare is also being challenged in an
election petition by losing candidate for East Sepik Regional seat Moses
Murray, who is representing himself.
In Central province, Governor Alphonse Moro’s election is being disputed
by losing candidates Philomena Kassman and John Orea.
Speaker of Parliament and Sinasina Yongumugl MP Jeffery Nape is a
respondent to the petition of Wau Nimai in today’s direction hearing.
Peter Yama has also launched an election petition against former chief
justice and Madang Governor Sir Arnold Amet challenging the elections’
outcome. The Electoral Commission and Madang returning officer Kila
Ralai are also named as respondents.
The directions hearing will begin at 9.30am today in Court Room 1 at the
Waigani National Court.
 
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