Court refuses Powi’s request to hear case in Port Moresby

JUSTICE Colin Makail yesterday refused to grant a request by Southern Highlands Governor William Powi for his election petition challenge to  be heard in Port Moresby where his petitioner Joe Kobol filed his petition.
Powi’s lawyer Allan Banyamai asked the court saying this could be possible under the election rules and he cited power and sewerage problems in  Mendi.
Banyamai told the court that there were inadequate security personnel on the ground as well.
Makail said the issues raised were administrative matters that could be sorted out before the trial date on April 1 next year.
The trial will take two weeks.
He appealed to Powi and Kobol to take responsibility and advise supporters not to be violent.
Makail stressed that election petitions not only involved Powi and Kobol but it involved the province and citizens as who should have access to witnessing the trail.