By Mickey Kavera – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Supreme Court has ordered a by-election for the Ijivitari Open Seat in Popondetta, Northern Province.
The seat has been disputed by rival candidate and petitioner, John Warisan, since 2012.
Yesterday, Supreme Court Judge Sir Bernard Sakora dismissed an application for review filed by the incumbent member David Arore.
Arore argued that there was a gross error in the findings made by the trial judge of the National Court.
However, the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the National Court and a by-election will now take place. It is now up to the electoral commission to inform the court on the possible dates of the by-election.
Petitioner John Warisan has welcomed the decision of the court whilst calling on his voters and supporters to remain calm.
Ijivitari is comprised of five local level governments: Oro Bay Rural, Safia Rural, Afore Rural, Popondetta Urban, Tufi Rural and has 88 wards with a population of 99,762 (as of the 2011 census).
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