Judge rejects extra 21 days appeal

 A JUDGE has rejected an application by the Electoral Commission for an extra 21 days to serve responding affidavits in the election petition for the Enga provincial seat.

Justice Colin Makail adjourned the case to June 17 for a pre-trial conference and allocation of a trial date.

The petition was filed by Nathan Piari against Enga Governor Peter Ipatas. 

The court had, on April 23 this year, directed the parties to file and serve affidavits they would rely on at the trial.

Piari was to file and serve the affidavits by or before May 14 while Ipatas and the Commission were to file by or before June 4. 

Piari compiled with the direction but the respondents failed to file by June 4. 

A lawyer representing Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen and the Commission said it was difficult to locate witnesses to prepare the affidavits. 

Ipatas supported the application for an extension of time.