THE application to strike out the election petition filed against Member of Parliament (MP) for North Malaita, Daniel Suilea Waneoroa was heard on Monday but no date has been set for the handing own of the ruling.
Judge Michael Pitakaka heard submissions from counsels on the strike out application but did not give any date for the ruling.
A former MP for North Malaita, Jimmy Lusibaea filed the petition against MP Waneoroa after he lost his bid to return to Parliament in the National General Election (NGE) in April.
He filed the petition on two grounds of Bribery – one for Tampering and the other for Unlawful Voting.
The Electoral Commission and its officers are also included in the case as the Second Respondent.
Mr Lusibaea alleged that the Presiding Officer for North Malaita gave out ballots to a person to cast multiple votes and also alleged that there was Tampering with the Voters’ list at one of the polling stations.
MP Waneoroa filed the application to strike out the petition on the basis that it is frivolous and vexatious.
He is also challenging the pleadings on the petitions which he deems improper and lack the merit to proceed to trial.
L & L lawyers represent MP Waneoroa, whilst Mr Lusibaea engages Taupongi Law Practice.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
