SUPREME COURT TO RULE IN DECEMBER

Prime Minister Peter O'Neil and his Government will know by December, whether their election into office was made according to law.

The Supreme Court in Waigani has reserved its ruling, after completing hearing of submissions today.

Lawyers representing Prime Minister Peter O'Neil and others ended the presentation of submissions today, just one day after hearing proper opened yesterday.

Their submissions were made in regard to the issue of the August events of Parliament, Sir Michael's issue of absence from Parliament, the issue of his mental health, and whether or not, the courts have any right to question the actions of Parliament.

Lawyer Ron Webb opened submissions for the intervening parties in support of Parliament and the Government, that the action on August 2nd to elect Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister, is legal.

Lawyer Web submitted that because Sir Michael Somare was absent for a long time without proper information concerning his health reaching Parliament and the people, the action taken by Parliament was legal.

Lawyer Webb submitted that the long absence of five months from Parliament, only gives Parliament the opportunity and occasion to employ section 142 of the Constitution to declare a vacancy in the Office of the Prime Minister, and subsequently elected Mr. Peter O'Neil as the Prime Minister.

Lawyer Manuel Varitimos acting for Prime Minister O'Neil and his Deputy, says an earlier Supreme Court ruling on evidence by Justice David Cannings must be revisited, while maintaining that evidence from that hearing has shown that Grand Chief Sir Michael was of an unsound mind for much of the period from March up to August.

These parties have also argued that the courts do have the authority to scrutinize the action of Parliament, saying it is non-justiciable.

But those submissions were rebutted by the opposing intervenors.

Among their rebuttals is the argument that section 142 of the Constitution does not give the right to declare a vacancy in the office of the Prime Minister, and that because the procedures in the election of the Prime Minister is prescribed in the Constitution, the August action can be tested in court.

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision to December ninth.

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