23 Aug 2012

13 election petitions now filed in PNG's Court of Disputed Returns

8:03 pm on 23 August 2012

There are now 13 election petitions filed with Papua New Guinea's Court of Disputed Returns.

The newspaper, The National, reports that the latest was filed by a losing candidate from Enga's Kompiam-Ambum electorate, Patrick Balone, challenging the re-election of John Pundari.

Election petitions to challenge William Duma's win in Hagen Open have been filed by two losing candidates, Simon Sanagke and James Yoka Ekip.

In Madang, the former army commander Jerry Singirok is challenging the re-election of Ken Fairweather.

In New Ireland province, Walter Schnaubelt, a losing candidate for the Namatanai Open seat, is challenging the win by Byron Chan.

And the West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel will face a court challenge filed by losing candidate Chris Legisa.

The other electorates that have election disputes include Ambunti-Dreikikir and Maprik in East Sepik, Gazelle in East New Britain, Manus's open and provincial seats, and Chimbu's Karimui-Nomane.