Judge stresses on balance and rights

THERE must be a balance and the rights of the parties in election petitions should not be prejudiced in preparation for trial, says National Court Judge Joseph Yagi.
He said all parties should agree to a certain trial date, time frame and location for a fair hearing.
Judge Yagi said this when the lawyer representing Porgera-Paiela MP Maso Karipe, in an election petition against Karipe and Electoral Commission, informed the court that he would need more time as his client was still away for medical reasons.
The matter returned for Karipe’s lawyer Paul Mawa to inform the court on his status and for the petitioner, candidate Vincent Payati, to inform the court whether the orders made on the last mention were complied with.
Mawa said Karipe was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
“According to the doctor’s report, Karipe is still undergoing treatment and will need an extension of eight weeks,” he said.
Payati’s lawyer said there was another election petition by Anton Pakena against Karipe and the trial date in that matter was set.
He said they were now to inform the court to have both matters heard in a joint trial.