Election petition against Allan dismissed

 By ZACHERY PER

THE National Court in Goroka has thrown out an election petition by losing candidate Winchlee Oibotee against MP Benny Allan for the Unggai-Bena seat.

The court upheld Allan’s objection to competency and dismissed it in its entirety. 

Oibotee has been ordered to pay costs.

The court found that the petitioner did not provide sufficient material facts to support allegations of bribery, illegal practice, errors and omissions – not complying with the requirements 

of the organic law on national 

and local level government elections.

Oibotee and Allan shook hands outside the court saying they wanted to bury the hatchet.

Oibotee said the election petition was a process of law he had to follow and that they held no grudges against each other.

“We want the people to know that we the leaders of the district are unique and peace-loving and will always uphold the law of the land,” he said.

Allan said they had respect for each other and that the people must be respected and provided services.

He thanked his supporters and lawyer Paul Mawa for assisting him in the case.

Allan, who is also the Lands Minister, is serving his third consecutive parliamentary term.