OLIPAC hearing adjourned to Dec 15

National, Normal
Source:

By JULIA DAIA BORE

THE Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on the special reference on the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPAC) for two weeks, after confusing dates for the hearing scheduled for yesterday.
Two lawyers arrived late after late notifications, forcing the five-judge bench of Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, his deputy Salika and justices Bernard Sakora, Nicholas Kirriwom and Les Gavera-Nanu to adjourn to Dec 15-16. 
Lawyer Alois Jerewai, for the Prime Minister and the State, was expected to continue and complete his submission by then, followed with final conclusive submissions from all parties.
Mr Jerewai is expected to make submissions relating to the Constitution’s interpretations of particular sections of the law which may impose conditions, restrictions or modifications by the Organic Laws and their validity to do so.
Western Governor Dr Bob Danaya and the Fly River provincial executive council were seeking Supreme Court
interpretation of certain sections of the OLIPAC and its validity in relation to the PNG Constitution.
The interpretations related to, among others, parliamentary privileges, right to introduce bills, responsibilities of office, freedom of conscience, thought and religion, freedom of assembly and association, registered political parties, integrity of political parties and candidates and provisions relating to political parties.