Ruling expected on Kapris’ application

A COURT is expected to make a ruling on an application filed by Maprik MP Gabriel Kapris in relation to an election petition filed against him.
The application was filed based on grounds that former Maprik MP John Simon who was the petitioner, did not file affidavits by Oct 17 as per the court orders.
National court Judge Joseph Yagi said he will make the ruling based on two affidavits that were presented to court on Oct 25 by Kapris’ lawyer, Steven Ranewa.
Renewa made submissions that Simon and lawyer Tony Waisi failed to submit affidavits on Oct 14 but had them served to their office on Oct 17 which was against court orders.
“The court’s directions were for the affidavits to be submitted before Oct 14 which Waisi failed to comply with,” he said. “As per our application, we will rely on the two affidavits we have filed awaiting the court’s ruling.”
He said according to election petition rules, parties should always follow directions by the court.
Waisi in his reply to the submissions made by Renewa, told the court that he did file the affidavits on Oct 14 but they were served on Oct 17 which Kapris, through his lawyer, refused to receive.
Meanwhile, lawyer representing Electoral Commissioner Ray Vito William told the court that they were neutral with the application.
“As representations of the Electoral Commission, our position would only be to assist the court in its ruling based on the application by Ranewa,” William said.