PNG Elections : Hagen Open Nominations faces further delay

Nominations for the Hagen Open seat in Western Highlands Province faces further delay.

This follows the Supreme Court decision this morning dismissing an application by the Electoral Commissioner to stay a decision made by the National Court on the 12th of May, 2022.

This to restrain the Electoral Commission from preventing Amos Noifa from conducting or running the election for the Hagen Central electorate, until further orders of the Court.

Justice Derek Harthson sitting as a single judge, ruled this morning, the Electoral Commissioner failed to obtain the approval of the Attorney General before briefing out the matter to a private lawyer to represent the Commission. 

Attempts by William Duma to discontinue the case last Thursday at the National Court was dismissed, as he did not follow proper legal process. 

This was on the understanding that the Electoral Commission will sort out the issue. 

Mr. Duma initially filed the case questioning the appointments of two separate Returning Officers - that's Amos Noifa and Willie Ropa, for the Hagen electorate based on two separate Gazettal notices.

The case returns to the National Court tomorrow (Wednesday May 25th) as initially ordered on the 12th of May by the Deputy Chief Justice.

NBC News / PNG Today

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