Commentary by Willie Mell The pending court decision on the election petition by former MP Westley Nukundi against late incumbent MP Steven Pim for the Dei Open Electorate has stretched on indefinitely. The completion of a proper trial in February 2023 was expected to bring clarity, yet as we stand on the threshold of February 2024, the final ruling on the election petition remains elusive. For the people of Dei, the journey towards justice has been marked by uncertainty. The delay in the court's decision has become a protracted ordeal, with expectations dashed not once but several times. The formal decision on the election petition had been delayed time and time again between February 2023 and 29th December 2023. The hopes of the people of Dei were once again deferred. Now, with three to four more delays between January and February 2024, the prolonged wait has reached an unsettling climax. At the core of this protracted legal battle lies the fundamental right of the people of Dei to have a voice in the Parliament. The denial of a representative due to the delayed decision on the Election Petition is not merely a legal matter but a matter of democratic principle. The people of Dei are being denied their rightful place in the democratic process, and this denial weighs heavily on the collective conscience of the communities in Dei. The anxiety is palpable. The people of Dei want honorable Judge, Justice Allan David to clearly explain the circumstances prompting the continual delays in handing down a final ruling on the election petition. Because, understanding the reasons behind the delays is crucial for rebuilding trust and confidence in our justice system. The delay in the court decision is prolonging the by-election for the Electorate to replace late honorable Steven Pim. Dei has technically been without a mandated MP for the last two years, and there are only 2 more years left before the 2027 National General Election. The people of Dei deserve representation, and the democratic spirit that binds our nation requires us to uphold the principles of justice and fairness and the right to be heard. Note : Send us your commentaries to us to be featured on this site : our contact email is : pngfacts(at)gmail(dot)com About the writer Mr.Wille Mel is a private citizen and political commentator and analyst . He lives in Port Moresby. Also read Comments are closed.
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