Court Reference Challenging PNG Prime Minister Marape's election returns to court in September

The Supreme Court Reference filed by the Papua New Guinea  Opposition, challenging the election of James Marape as the Prime Minister in May this year, will return to court for hearing next month.

The Opposition through the Reference is seeking assistance from the court to interpret the law in which Mr. Marape was elected, and whether it was done according to Constitution.

The Reference filed by its Leader Patrick Pruaitch, is requesting the Court to interpret Sections 50, 59, 108, 142 and 158(2) of the Constitution, that addresses any purported withdrawal of the nomination for the vacant position of Prime Minister, other than by the nominator, was and is unconstitutional, invalid and unlawful, and therefore void.

Amongst Mr. Pruaitch's arguments is that the withdrawal of the nomination for the vacant position of Prime Minister, by Peter O'Neill, who was nominated by the applicant, Mr. Pruaitch, after the close of nominations, was and is unconstitutional, invalid, unlawful and therefore void.

The Reference came before a full Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Justice Elenas Batari and Justice Oagile Dingake on Tuesday this week.

The matter will return for hearing on September 5 this year.

NBC News / PNG Today

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