THE election petition trial of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ngella, Choylin Yim Douglas will continue on Tuesday with the final witness for of the petitioner taking the stand.
The hearing, which began last Thursday before High Court Judge Justice Augustine Aulanga, has so far seen 12 witnesses testify for Mr Salini.
Mr Salini’s final witness will be called when the trial resumes at 2pm today.
Following the appearance of the final witness, the lawyer from the Attorney General’s (AG’s) Chamber who represents the returning officer, will call their witnesses. This will be followed by MP Douglas’s witnesses.
Mr Salini was one of the seven candidates who contested the Ngella Constituency Parliamentary Seat in the 17 April 2024 National General Election.
He secured 2699 votes, whilst MP Douglas won with 4255 votes.
Mr Salini filed the petition, citing three grounds of Bribery and one ground of Interfering with Voting.
The Returning Officer for Ngella Constituency is named as the third respondent in the case.
Mr Salini deems MP Douglas should be disqualified from serving as the Parliamentary representative of Ngella Constituency on the grounds of bribery and voting interference.
Mr Salini is represented by Gabriel Suri of Suri’s Law Practice in his petition.
Freliz Fakarii of the Attorney General’s Chamber represents the Returning Officer, while private lawyer Billy Titiulu represents MP Douglas.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
