It’s back to work for Wong after petition dismissed

POLICE Minister and Gazelle MP Jelta Wong has survived an election petition against him.
This follows a decision by the Court of Disputed Returns in Kokopo yesterday.
The petition was filed by ousted MP, Malakai Tabar, who challenged the win by Wong in the Gazelle seat in last year’s general election.
On Monday, the objection to competency proceeded with submissions from the counsels. On Wednesday, Justice Collin Makail struck out allegations of breach of constitutional provisions and errors or omissions at counting but upheld the bribery allegations against Wong.
Tabar’s lawyer Jonathon Holingu called up six witnesses who gave evidence regarding the allegations of bribery against Wong.
Yesterday Wong’s lawyer McRonald Nale made a no-case submission for the trial into the bribery allegations to be struck out because evidences by the six witnesses were full of inconsistencies.
Makail yesterday concluded saying a crucial material fact of the allegation of bribery was lacking.
“It will be pointless to allow the case to proceed further. It must stop here,” he said.
He ordered that the no-case submission be upheld, petition dismissed and the petitioner pay the cost of the proceedings.
A relieved Wong said after the court case that it was all about trust, honesty and faith and the right outcome was realised yesterday.