Court to hear declaration case

By DAPHNE WANI
THE Waigani National Court will today hear an urgent application by NCD regional candidates seeking a declaration that it is a mandatory requirement for polling officials to be present during scrutiny.
The application was filed by 12 NCD regional candidates against the returning officer Alwin Jimmy, Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato and the Electoral Commission.
Justice Collin Makail yesterday adjourned the application filed last Friday through lawyer Paul Othas to today to hear the application.
The originating summons named Andy Bawa as the first plaintiff, the others being Jamie Maxtone-Graham, Michael Kandiu, Robert Agen, James Melegepa, Tom Pu Watinga, Steven Kilage , Brian Pulume, Noel Anjo , Fransis Tanga, Jamuga Stone and Bonny Igime.
According to the the summons, Bawa and the other plaintiffs are claiming five declarations and six orders from the court.
They are claiming a declaration that it is a mandatory requirement for polling officers, poll clerk or officer and scrutineers to be present at the time an electoral officer is scrutinising and opening all ballot boxes received from polling places.