WITH the National General Election (NGE) just around the corner, counsels are being reminded to prosecute election petitions cases in a timely and efficient manner.
Attorney General John Muria Jnr took the opportunity to remind counsels at the opening of the 2024 Legal Year this week at the High Court.
“National General Election Your Lordships, as earlier alluded to, 2024 is poised to be a rather eventful year,” Mr Muria Jnr said in addressing Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer at the event.
“The National General Elections are set to be held in the first quarter of 2024 and on that day our people will be exercising their constitutional right to vote.
“What follows is what will be the focus of everyone: The Election Petitions.
“Your Lordship, with the passage of the Electoral Act 2018, Parliament has legislated for the disposing of Election Petitions within a period of 12 months.”
Mr Muria Jnr said he noted that the Courts after the 2019 elections, operated in overdrive mode to ensure that the Election Petitions were disposed of in a timely manner.
“I take this opportunity to remind Counsels to prosecute their cases in a timely and efficient manner so that we ensure that Election Petitions are disposed efficiently.
He said as protectors of the Constitution, they must all endeavour, both the Courts and the Bar to ensure that they progress these important cases as quickly as possible. “It is therefore of utmost importance that Election Petitions are given priority over other cases where possible.”
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
