Supporters of the Morobe Governor, Kelly Naru have called him and former governor, Luther Wenge to set aside their differences and end a court dispute over election results.
Luther Wenge’s lawyers filed an election petition against Kelly Naru last year on grounds that Naru and his supporters bribed voters during the elections.
 |
| Former Governor, Luther Wenge |
“We’re here to prove allegations of bribery,” Luther Wenge said outside the courtroom. “The court has to decide if this matter will go to a full hearing.”
More than 100 political supporters of both men packed the Lae courtroom yesterday to hear if the matter will go to a full trial. A decision will be made on Thursday.
Both Wenge and Naru are no strangers to the legal landscape. Naru owns a law firm and Wenge worked as a lawyer and a magistrate before running for office 15 years ago.
Wenge was also instrumental in the removal of the Australian Government’s Enhanced Cooperation Program (ECP) which brought Australian Federal police advisors to Papua New Guinea.
Wenge’s lawyers presented submissions saying the facts of the case are sound and should proceed to a full trial. Lawyers representing the electoral commission and Kelly Naru say otherwise. They also want the petition dismissed. Thy have also argued that details of whether Governor Kelly Naru paid money to his supporters with in intention of influencing votes remain unproven. Outside the court house, supporters of governor Kelly Naru, carrying placards said both men should put aside their differences and allow the governor and the provincial government to perform their jobs.
“We want services,” said Plankus Miamel. “We urge the governor and the former governor to have this petition dismissed.”
0 comments on “SUPPORTERS CALL FOR ELECTION PETITION TO BE WITHDRAWN”