COURT GRANTS NAMAH STANDING

Opposition Leader, Belden Namah, has been granted standing by the Supreme Court, to challenge several changes, made by the Government, to the Constitution.

 The amendments include those to Section 145 and 124, extending the grace period from 18 to 30-months, the number of signatures to move a motion of no confidence, and changing Parliament's sitting days, from 63 to 40.

 The ruling was handed down this afernoon by Justice Bernard Sakora, on behalf of the three-men Supreme Court bench.

 Maivo Lafanama reports, the high court ruled that Mr. Namah is a public office holder and that his application raises significant Constitutional issues.

 It also ruled that Namah has proper motives, although another issue on the same matter is on foot by former Chief Ombudsman, Ila Geno, it would not be a good reason to refuse the application.

 Namah wants the court to make a declaration whether or not the changes to Sections 145 and 124 are Constitutional.

 His application will now be joined with that of Mr. Geno, to be determined by a full Supreme Court Bench.