MEMBER of Parliament for Lau/Mbaelelea, Augustine Auga says the dismissal of the election petition case against him yesterday shows his clean win in the 2019 National General Elections.
Justice Leonard Maina dismissed the allegations of bribery and undue influence against Auga due to insufficient evidence following a one week trial.
Speaking to the Solomon Star after the ruling yesterday, Auga said his message to his people in Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency is that he “won on a clean sheet”.
“First of all, I would like thank God for this victory because God sees who is paying people and who is not,” Auga said.
He thanked his 4,721 voters who stood by him since the launching of the petition until Tuesday.
“I thanked my 4,721 voters who put their trust and confidence in me.
“I thanked them for their trust in me for the last four years and for their votes in this National General Election.”
Auga also thanked everyone who supported him one way or the other including those in the opposition side.
The two-time MP said his committee will be having a meeting and reminded his people to listen out for outcomes of the meeting.
“I will be going down to three venues, Arao sports field in Ward 6, Olemaoma in Ward 10 and Faufanea School to meet my people during the Christmas period.
“This is to assure them that the power has returned to us and that we will start our work for our constituency in January next year.”
Auga’s runner up in April 3 polls, Harry Philip, lodged the petition, alleging bribery and undue influence offences relating to the election.
Auga was re-elected after wining 4,728 votes while the petitioner Philip, who is the runner-up polled 2,467.
Wilson Rano of Rano and Company appeared for Auga while private lawyer Robert Firigeni represented Philip.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
