By Staff Writer
The appeal against the Supreme Court ruling to void the election of a 6th woman for Parliament will be heard in court tomorrow, Thursday 20 May 2021.
Chief Justice Simativa Perese and Justices Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren and Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma will preside in the one-day hearing.
The Electoral Commissioner and the elected Alataua I Sisifo woman MP Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tu’uau are applying for a stay in execution of the ruling and leave to appeal the decision.
Chief Justice Perese ruled in the preliminary session today, Wednesday 19 May 2021, for the court to hear arguments tomorrow so it will be able to deliver a ruling on Friday.
The urgency is to have a ruling in place before the new Parliament is called to session, which is still to be finalised.
FAST has been making calls to selected key officials with links to the general elections and Parliament to enquire about the calling of session.
The Head of State makes the call.
The judiciary has been in a race with the clock since election related matters were brought up following the outcome of the polls.
Next up will be the hearing of 28 election petitions or more than half the seats in Parliament.
There are strong speculations that the court hearings are very likely to create more political turbulence all the way to the end of the year.