Marape in court to fight election challenge

By DAPHNE WANI
A court case challenging the win of Finance Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape began at the National Court in Waigani yesterday.
The trial started at 1.30pm with petitioner Johnny Pokaya calling witnesses to prove allegations of bribery against Marape.
The petition was filed by Pokaya on allegations of bribery and undue influence during polling and counting in last year’s national election. Marape is the first respondent and the Electoral Commission the second respondent.
The trial was ordered to convene yesterday after an unsuccessful attempt by lawyers representing Marape to have the petition dismissed for want of compliance with procedural requirements of form.
Justice David Cannings refused the application, stating that it was misconceived by the first respondent to have the petition dismissed because the petitioner had complied with the requirement of the Organic Law.
The judge also refused another motion by petitioner Pokaya to have two officers from the commission charged with contempt of court orders relating to the electoral roll of voters for Tari Pori.
Justice Cannings issued a summons for commission officers Grace Badira and Tari-Pori returning officer John Walara to appear in court tomorrow to give evidence relating to the petition.