BY ROMINAH FAKA
The strike-out application by MP Trevor Mahaga on the petition against him will be heard on September 2.
The hearing will be made before Judge Augustine Malanga.
Court yesterday also told MP Mahaga and his lawyer to have their written application for a strike out filed by Tuesday next week.
The petitioner, former MP Samuel Manetoali, and the Attorney General, who represents the second respondent, were also told to file their written submissions by August 30.
Manetoali filed two allegations against Mahaga – bribery and breaching the electoral act.
Manetoalis also filed six allegations against second respondent – electoral officials.
Mahaga’s grounds for applying for a strike-out include: the petition does not specify which section of the act Mahaga allegedly breached, thus the petition is vexatious and frivolous.
Secondly, the petition claims Mahaga breached sections 1-4 of the electoral law in allegedly campaigning when he was not supposed to. However, Mahaga’s lawyer argues that campaigning is specified under section 5 and not 1-4 as claimed by petitioner.
Mahaga won the national general elections on April 17 this year, ousting long-time MP Manetoali.
Mahaga was later sworn in as minister for environment (MECDM).
L&L Lawyers represents Manetoali and Rano and Company represents first respondent Mahaga and Attorney General represents Electoral officers as second respondent.
