Sogavare’s counsel intends to file application to strike out the election petition filed by defeated CARE candidate Qurusu if the latter fails to give answers that satisfy the elements of bribery as alleged by July 27
THE counsel acting for the former Prime Minister and current Minister of Finance and Treasury Manasseh Sogavare intends to file an application to strike out the election petition case against the seventh termer East Choiseul Member of Parliament.
That is if the petitioner David Qurusu and his lawyer provide answers that do not satisfy the elements of bribery as alleged in the petitition.
The election petition case between Sogavare and the losing candidate of the Coalition for Accountability, Reform, Advancement and Empowerment (CARE) Qurusu went before High Court Judge Augustine Aulanga for a direction hearing on Monday.
Jillian Soaika from Rano & Company who represents Sogavare told the court that the petitioner’s lawyer had just been discharged from the hospital and sought a seven-day adjournment to finalize and file the answers.
She added that if petitioner gives answers that still do not satisfy the elements of bribery, they will be filing an application for a strike-out.
Ms Soaika, when asked outside of court on Monday to explain the proceeding, said the claimant had filed the petition and raised six allegations of bribery.
She said, however, the particulars of the allegation are not backed by sufficient information so as to know who the [bribery] agent was, rendering her unable to file a defence.
Therefore, Ms Soaika said they asked the petitioner’s lawyer to file further particulars to their answers and if they fail to do so, they will apply to strike-out the case.
Judge Aulanga, having adjourned the matter, gave directions for the petitioner to file and serve the answers to the particulars by July 27.
He then adjourned the matter to July 29 at 1pm for another direction mention.
Lazarus Kwaiga of L & L lawyers is representing the petitioner.
This is one of the 26 petitions that were filed against Members of Parliament (MPs) at the close of the petition period.
A total of 28 petitions were filed. Two of the 28 were filed against Provincial Assembly Members.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
