Court dismisses petition

By BOURA GORU KILA
THE National Court has dismissed a petition disputing the election of Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa in General Election 2022.
Sitting in the National Court in Madang, Judge David Cannings dismissed the petition by Major General (retired) Jerry Singirok granting that while the petitioner had proved some errors and omissions committed by officers of the Electoral Commission during the counting and scrutinising process, it had not been established whether they had any material that affected the result of the election.
Cannings ruled therefore that there was no good reason for the election to be declared void or for any alternative relief, such as a recount to be granted and ordered that Singirok pay costs of the first respondent (Pariwa), who had not been proven to be at fault.
The Electoral Commission as second respondent had joined Pariwa in opposing the petition, however, Cannings ordered that it bear its own costs.
“The Electoral Commission must be held responsible for the extensive delay in the counting and scrutiny and the return of the writ.
“There was confusion caused by the decision to count primary votes at the district counting centres. There was poor communication with scrutineers and this gave rise to the appearance of a lack of transparency in the counting and scrutiny at the provincial counting centre.
“The Commission should conduct its own internal inquiry into the causes of the delay and lack of communication that occurred so that the same mistakes are not repeated in the next election for the Madang provincial seat,” he said.
Governor Pariwa thanked the National Court for its decision saying it was a win for the people of Madang.
He said the case had affected the progress of his administration but assured his people that they would now start the New Year afresh and implement his development plans and management of the province’s affairs.