Election petition challenging Undialu’s win to go on trial

THE Waigani National Court considered an election petition challenging the win of Hela regional MP Philip Undialu going before a trial on tomorrow after finding that there were still unresolved pre-trial issues concerning the case.
Judge Joseph Yagi made the ruling after he upheld that allegations concerning Hela returning officer John Tipa, who had failed to declare Potape as winner after he polled the highest votes and deeclared Undialu in the concluding count as winner, was a worthy ground to go before a trial.
The court ruled that these allegations were now only against the electoral commission and not Undialu.
However, Potape, through his lawyer Paul Othas, strongly opposed an application filed by Undialu seeking more time, for more direction matters and that his lawyer Goiye Gilleng was sick.
Justice Yagi upheld arguments by Othas saying: “I find no merit to these grounds.
“Unfortunately, according to the medical evidence of counsel Gilleng, he is fit to resume on July 24.”
The court refused all grounds of Undialu’s application to vacate the trial.
“It is not in the interest of justice to give such a notice on the 11th hour,” Justice Yagi said.
“I grant relief of trial to be adjourned, but only to Friday.”
Meanwhile, Undialu through his lawyer in the court, issued summons for National Broadcasting Corporation news director Michael Asagomi, National Broadcasting Corporation former chief of staff Lisa Pagelio and Southern Highlands National Broadcasting Corporation reporter Arina Hale to provide evidence relating to a news item broadcasted on radio on July 23 last year that stated Potape was declared winner.