THE Political Party Integrity Act does not infringe on constitutional rights, says John Muria Jnr.
Muria Jnr, representing the Attorney General Chambers, stressed this when he presented his submission in defence to the PPI Act in High Court on Monday.
Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), which has refused to register under the Act, took the matter to court, claiming certain provisions within the Act are unconstitutional.
He said Section 13 of the Constitution provides for the freedom of political association.
“This includes the right of an individual to freely and willingly associate with political groupings or associations of his choice.
“The AG contends that the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014 (“the PPI Act”) merely provides for a mechanism that is to be followed by the parties so they can be registered and participate in the electoral process,” he said.
He added, it does not take away and / or restrict the right of an individual to freely associate and / or to form a political party nor the right of a political party to participate in the electoral process.
The Court will rule today, 1.30pm inside court room 1 as to whether the constitutional guarantee to freedom of association has been infringed by the PPI Act.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
