Juffa’s win challenged

By MELYNE BAROI
NORTHERN Regional seat candidate Jean Eparo Parkop, who is challenging Governor Gary Juffa’s win in last year’s general election, says she has evidence to show that Juffa’s name was not on the common roll.
This makes Juffa ineligible to take part in the 2022 General Election.
Her lawyer, David Dotaona, told the National Court in Waigani on Friday that it was a similar case to that of Robert Banasi versus the Sumkar MP Alexander Orme which recently had the case dismissed in the National Court.
“We will be arguing that Juffa’s name was not on the common roll which makes him an ineligible contender for Northern in the 2022 General Election,” he said.
Dotaona said their intention for the motion after Judge David Cannings had confirmed a trial date for the petition.
“We will be seeking orders for a summary determination of the petition,” he said.
Judge Cannings said the notice of motion needed to be filed and served on Juffa and his lawyer Alois Jerewai on or by May 8.
He will hear arguments on May 12.
Meanwhile, it was heard that the petition is ready for trial from June 19 in Popondetta.
Judge Cannings urged both parties to appear for a mention at the National Court on June 16 before the trial.