David Arore ousted as MP

MP David Arore has been  been removed as the Member for Ijivitari following a ruling by the National Court in Popondetta yesterday.

National Court Judge Justice Benard Sakora made the ruling after satisfied with the evidences put forward during the election petition review case this week.

Sakora says it was proved beyond reasonable doubt that Arore used money and food to entice voters to vote for him during the 2012 National Elections.

The court heard that Arore gave K2, 000 to a Mr. Tony Pukari to give to witness, Mr. Collin Amoko to give out to voters during election time. Arore himself also issued food and cash to voters during the same time.

The election petition case on the allegations of bribery was brought to the National Court by election petitioner Mr. John Varison, but was dismissed by then Judge, Justice Sao Gabi after Varison’s lawyer, Varaniki Lawyers failed to present enough evidence against Arore.

After a successful appeal to the Supreme Court on the ruling of the National Court, the National Court was ordered to review the election petition case.

However, when the review of the case was held on Monday, Mr. Arore was not present in court to defend himself against the allegations and evidences presented against him.

The National Court has also ordered the National Electoral Commission to immediately set a date for a by- election for the Ijivitari Electorate.

PNG Today/PNGFM