Solo to challenge Wouwou’s declaration

THE Supreme Court has allowed West Sepik provincial seat runner-up in the 2017 general election Simon Solo to file an application although it was almost late.
A declaration was made on December 19 when Tony Wouwou retained his seat after a recount.
According to the National Court, a party may file another application within 14 days after a decision.
Solo represented himself in court yesterday to submit his application 19 days later. Justice Ellenas Batari excluded the public holidays of Dec 25 and 26, and Jan 1. As per the Interpretation Act, it was stiill two days late.
According to the National Court, Saturdays were still open for applications to be submitted.
Solo said he could not make submission on Saturday, Jan 5 because the court registry was closed.
Justice Batari again confirmed Order 1, Rule 14 of the National Court Rules which allowed for an applicant to be submitted the next day if the court registry was closed on the last day of submission.
Solo applied to seek extension of time so that he could file and serve some more documents to the court regarding the election petition, recount and declaration.