A CATHOLIC priest who came out second in the Koroba Kopiago election in Southern Highlands, has dropped his petition against winner John Kekeno.
Counsel David Dataona told Justice Ambeng Kandakasi on Wednesday that his client, Fr Mathias Olape, had considered a letter from the lawyers for the Electoral Commission and had decided to withdraw his petition.
Earlier, when hearing began, the commission’s lawyer, Andrew Kongri, urged the court to dismiss the petition on the grounds that it was made on “hearsay”.
He said the petitioner had no arguable case to proceed further.
Justice Kandakasi instructed the parties to discuss the matter and ordered a short recess.
When hearing resumed, Mr Dataona advised the court that his client was withdrawing his petition.
In his affidavit, Fr Olape had alleged malpractice and omissions by the commission and its agents during the elimination process.
He alleged that the returning officer and security personnel corroborated to deny him as the duly-elected member.
Mr Kekeno said in a statement that he was relieved that the matter was over and he would now concentrate on addressing the issues affecting the people of Koroba Kopiago.