Court dismisses election petition against Alotau MP

THE National Court has dismissed an election petition against Alotau MP Ricky Morris because there were no errors and omissions found during the 2022 General Election.
Judge Kingsley Allan David said petitioner Lisia Ilaibeni failed to meet the elements of the allegations because his witnesses were inconsistent with their evidence.
“The petitioner failed to prove his case to the entire satisfaction of the court on the two grounds of errors and omissions,” David said.
He said he had considered the evidence from the parties and noted that there were no errors and omission committed. Therefore, the petition was dismissed in its entirety.
Justice David said Ilaibeni’s allegation about extra ballot papers being added on was not correct.
He said the difference between the number of ballot papers cast and the number listed on the Electoral Commission website was three – way less than the winning margin of 107 votes.
“Hence this would have not affected the result,” David said.
Ilaibeni’s petition was based on bribery, errors and omission. The allegation on bribery was struck out.
Morris outside court thanked his supporters and family for their loyalty to him.
“Now I can continue to deliver services to the people in my electorate,” he said.
Ialibu-Pangia MP and People National Congress Party leader Peter O’Neill who was with Morris after the court decision thanked the people of Alotau for their patience during the court process.
O’Neill said Morris had shown his loyalty to the party.