Court declares candidate insolvent

A candidate contesting the Kerowagi Open Seat in Simbu province has been declared insolvent or bankrupt by the National Court recently.
Bari Palma couldn't pay legal costs to current MP Camilus Dangima totaling K275,000 after loosing his 2012 election case.
Lawyer, Martin Kombri representing Mr Dangima relayed the court's decision last Thursday to NBC News.
He says this is historical and a case precedence sending a warning signal to those who are prepared to file election petition case.
He says its an end to Mr Palma's political aspiration.
Section 103 of the Constitution states that if a person is declared insolvent by the court he cannot nominate and contest the election.
Mr Palma however is expected to file an urgent stay application and further review the decision, as it impinges on his Constitutional Rights to contest the election as well.
The Electoral Commission is yet to be served with an official copy of the ruling by Justice Derek Harthson.
Bari Palma was the runner up for the Kerowagi Open Seat in the 2012 National Election. NBC News/ PNG Today