15 PETITION CASES

Finance minister Sogavare, Dep PM Tovosia among additional filings at the High Court so far

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The new minister of Finance and former prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, is facing a petition clouding over his win in the April-17 national general election for East Choiseul constituency.

Mr Sogavare is facing multiple counts of bribery allegations.

Deputy Prime Minister Braddley Tovosia is also facing a petition.

Sogavare and Tovosia’s cases are among a total of 15 petition cases regarding the national general election which are before the High Court as of yesterday evening.

High Court Deputy Registrar Jack Taloifuila confirmed to Island Sun that his office as of 4pm yesterday has a total of 15 election petition cases before it.

On Monday this week Mr Taloifuila confirmed seven petition cases to Island Sun.

Since then, there have been eight new cases lodged with the High Court.

“These additional filed petition cases are ready for listing,” Taloifuila said.

Six of the eight new cases according to Taloifuila are as follows:

1. Duddley Kopu against MP James Bonunga, Temotu Pele constituency

2. Wilson Mamae against MP Namson Tran, West Honiara constituency

3. Doris Angella Tahani against MP Freda Tuki, Temotu Vatud constituency

4. Jessy Koli against MP Bradley Billy Smoky Rodo Tovosia, East Guadalcanal constituency

5. David Qurusu against Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, East Choiseul constituency

6. Alick Fleming Pukakoqoro against MP Harry Kuma, North West Choiseul constituency.

Taloifuila said the names of two other filed petitions are yet to reach his desk when this paper enquired yesterday.

Petitions confirmed by Taloifulia on Monday this week include:

1. Samuel Manetoali against MP Trevor Hedly Manemahaga, Gao-Bugotu constituency

2. Jeremy Manengelea against MP Peter Shanel, Central Guadalcanal constituency

3. Dickson Mua and Peter Osike against MP Oliver Salopuka, Savo-Russells constituency

4. Samson Maneke against MP Dr Paul Bosawai Popora, North Guadalcanal constituency

5. Peter Soqoilo against MP Jimson Tanangada, Gizo-Kolombangara constituency

6. Augustin Auga Maeue and Harry Philip against MP Ben Maenu’u, Lau-Baelelea constituency

7. Anthony Veke against MP Moses Garu, West Guadalcanal constituency.

“I can confirm that so far, we have received a total of 15 petition cases filed,” Taloifuila said.

“We are expecting some more to be filed tomorrow [today].”

Taloifuila said the due date of election petitions is this Friday, May 31, 2024.