PNG High Court Reinstates Dilu as Kundiawa-Gembogl MP

Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court has reinstated Muguwa Dilu as the Member of Parliament for Kundiawa-Gembogl following a long-awaited ruling on an election petition appeal delivered this morning.

The three-man bench overturned an earlier National Court decision that had removed Mr Dilu from office while ordering a recount of votes, ruling that the lower court’s decision could not stand under the law.

 PNG Supreme Court Reinstates Dilu as Kundiawa-Gembogl MP

The decision means Mr Dilu will return to Parliament and resume his duties as the elected member for the Simbu electorate while the court-ordered recount continues under the direction of electoral authorities.

The election petition was brought by former Kundiawa-Gembogl MP William Onglo, who challenged the results of the national election and sought a recount of ballot papers to determine the final outcome.

In delivering its decision, the Supreme Court found that the National Court’s orders removing Mr Dilu before the recount had been completed were not legally sustainable.

Outside the courthouse after the ruling, Mr Dilu told supporters he was relieved by the outcome following months of uncertainty over the seat.

“Despite the long delay, I welcome this decision,” he said. “I remain confident in the democratic process.”