Yama asks for spotlight on Yali's eligibility

Issues relating to the eligibility of former Madang Governor, James Yali, contesting the 2017 National Election, while being convicted of rape will be interpreted by the Supreme Court in Waigani.

The case was adjourned to January 26, after the lawyer of incumbent governor Peter Yama was not present in court last week, to persue the case.

Retired PNG Defence Force Commander, Brigadier General Jerry Singirok and Mr Yali are challenging the election win of Mr Yama.

However, Mr Yama is asking the high court to interpret first, if there are breaches in the Constitution when Yali was allowed by the Electoral Commission to contest the governor's seat when he was a convict.

The court of disputed returns Judge Administrator, Collin Makail says, the case is the first of its kind, and he's interested in Yama's reasons for asking the National Court to refer the case to the Supreme Court for Constitutional interpretation.

NBC News - Port Moresby