Yama’s bid dismissed

 BUSINESSMAN Peter Yama has failed in his bid to have Justice Steven Kassman disqualify himself from hearing a review of the National Court’s decision ordering a recount of the 2012 Usino Bundi election votes.

Kassman said there was no substantial evidence to have him disqualified from hearing the review sought by sitting MP Anton Yagama and ruled that the review would proceed after several adjournments requested by Yama.

Neither Yama nor his lawyer was present in court last Friday.

The National Court ruled last month that a recount of votes be conducted for the Usino Bundi election after Yama sought relief from the court claiming irregularities during the election.

Kassman also ruled that in order to speed up the election petition case, a stay order on all National Court proceedings be effected and an interim order granted to stop proceedings in Madang until the Supreme Court review is heard on July 5.