Runner-up to dispute win by Kimisopa

GOROKA open seat runner-up Tom Nunue has filed an election petition disputing the win by Bire Kimisopa.
Nunue, who ran under the PNG Party banner, served court documents (summons) on Kimisopa last Saturday as he was attending a church service at the Kama Seventh-Day Adventist church.
Soon after serving the documents, Nunue called on his supporters and those of other candidates, including
Kimisopa’s candidates, to remain calm and allow the court process to take place.
Kimisopa, of the New Generation Party, polled 11,825 votes to beat Nunue, who polled 11,756 votes.
Nunue claimed illegal activities had occured at the Kosayufa polling venue.
He said if the people had been allowed to vote freely, he could have won as a ballot box that was disputed was counted and that denied him victory.
Nunue named the Electoral Commission as second defendant, alleging election manager Alwynn Jimmy and his officials condoned irregularities during polling.
Nanue has engaged Greg Shepherd of Young and Williams Lawyers to represent him.
Other results from Eastern Highlands being disputed are the Daulo, Unggai-Bena, Lufa, Okapa and Obura-Wonenara seats.
Runner-up of the Eastern Highlands regional seat, Sir Barry Holloway, is challenging the election of Julie Soso.