Gamato told to comply with court orders

THE Waigani National Court judge yesterday urged lawyers to inform Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato to comply with court orders.
Justice Collin Makail told the Electoral Commission’s lawyers when they appeared before him yesterday for the election petition relating to the Southern Highlands regional seat that they should inform their client about the seriousness of a court order and the consequences of not following it.
Makail said the orders made on Jan 30 related to the transfer of ballot boxes for the Southern Highlands provincial seat held at Mt Hagen to Mendi.
The orders were made after the petitioner, Joseph Kobol, made an application requesting the court for the ballot boxes to be moved to ensure safety and easy access by election officials in Mendi.
Kobol filed the election petition against Southern Highlands Governor William Powi and the Electoral Commission to challenge Powi’s win.
Terence Lambert QC representing Kobol, informed the court during pre-trial that the orders were not complied with by the commission. The petition is fixed for trial from April 9 to 20 at the Waigani National Court.
Meanwhile, Kobol is seeking a court order for counting in the SHP provincial seat to be continued.
SHP election manager David Wakias was summoned to produce a copy of the original writ during trial in Waigani.