THE lawyer for an unsuccessful candidate for the North East Guadalcanal Constituency parliamentary seat in the April 17 National General Election has withdrawn the petition filed against the successful contestant, MP Jamie Lency Vokia.
Petitioner Bradley Lenga’s counsel Gabriel Suri informed the High Court on Monday that he would withdraw the petition against MP Vokia.
The decision follows Lenga’s advice after reports emerged that two primary witnesses allegedly received bribes from Vokia’s team.
Mr Suri stated that his client saw no reason to proceed with the Pre-Trial Conference to address the two bribery allegations linked to the NGE.
Both MP Vokia and his wife Ethel admitted to giving money to the two witnesses, though they claimed the money was not intended as a bribe.
Mr Suri clarified that Mrs Vokia did not deny giving $2,000 to one witness but she insisted it was to offer assistance rather than a bribe.
Similarly, MP Vokia acknowledged that his constituency office provided $1,500 to another witness, explaining it was meant for reconciliation between the witness and the campaign manager.
The driver David Rex confirmed transporting each witness to collect the money.
However, he argued that the sum of $1,000 given to one witness was intended to support the marriage of his grandchild.
Following the petition’s withdrawal, the court directed the Returning Officer to issue a public notice of the application for withdrawal in North East Guadalcanal.
MP Vokia will also submit a sworn statement.
Both parties are scheduled to return to court on December 2 to discuss the withdrawal application further.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
