THE matter of the Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office Robson Djokovic who was accused of fraudulent voting during the 2019 National General Election will return to court again on June 16.
That is when counsels will advise the court on the progress of the appeal that Djokovic’s lawyer lodged before the Court of Appeal.
Djokovic is appealing the High Court’s ruling on his citizenship status, of which, a High Court judge declared that Djokovic is an indigenous Solomon Islands but is not a Solomon Islands Citizen.
He appeared in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court with his lawyer Wilson Rano of Rano & Company yesterday morning for the first mention of his case.
He is facing charges of obtaining registration by false pretense Contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code, fraudulent voting Contrary to Section 120 (c) of the Electoral Act 2018 and prohibition of a non-citizen from membership of a Political Party Contrary to section 41 (1) of the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.”
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Kelesi had informed that the court that disclosures were already served to the defence on Tuesday.
Mr Rano confirmed receiving the disclosures and said they will look through the disclosures and will advise the Crown on their position regarding the charges.
He also informed the court of the appeal matter that is currently before the Court of Appeal.
He added that the appeal will have some impact on the current charges if the decision of the appeal court goes in favour of the accused.
Given the appeal matter and the likely impact it will have on the current charges if the appeal is upheld, Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea adjourned the matter to June 16.
This is for further mention and for counsels to advice the court on the progress of the Appeal.
Djokovic’s bail was further extended to the next date and his appearance on that day is dispensed with.
It was alleged that Djokovic, whom the High Court ruled is a holder of an Australian passport and is not a Solomon Islands Citizen was a member of “Our Party” that has been registered under the Political Parties Integrity Act.
Prosecution further alleged he also registered as a voter for the South Choiseul Constituency in 2019 National General Elections (NGE).
Djokovic was charged following the High Court’s judgment that declared him as an indigenous Solomon Islander but not a citizen of Solomon Islands.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN BONGIDANI
Newsroom, Honiara
