Dispute over West Sepik governor’s seat ends

A REVIEW application filed by a candidate who petitioned an outcome of a recount for the West Sepik provincial seat has been withdrawn by the Waigani Supreme Court.
Justice Derek Hartshorn yesterday withdrew the leave application filed by petitioner Simon Solo, who was the runner-up to the West Sepik governor’s seat in the 2017 national general election, that challenged the win of Tony Wouwou,.
The court dismissed the review application after Solo filed an application to withdraw the review application.
Solo’s application was consented by Wouwou.
Justice Harthshorn withdrew the review application.
He said Solo was entitled to withdraw his application under the Supreme Court Rules, but this would be followed by him (Solo) paying costs to Wouwou.
The recount of the West Sepik governor’s seat was completed on Dec 19 last year, and Wouwou was declared the second time as the governor elect of West Sepik.
Wouwou said outside court that he was relieved after a long court battle that lasted one year and 10 months.
Electoral Commission’s lawyer Joppo Simbalas said outside court that the matter had been withdrawn or discontinued.
Simbalas said that this is the end of the matter and it cannot be brought back to court.