27 Dec 2012

PNG PM labels election petitions unnecessary

3:51 pm on 27 December 2012

Papua New Guinea's prime minister, Peter O'Neill, says election petitions are unnecessary and time-consuming in a country faced with so many challenges.

The newspaper, The National, reports that his comments follow the Court of Disputed Returns dismissing an election petition challenging cabinet minister Charles Abel's victory of the Alotau open seat

Mr O'Neill, who had accompanied Mr Abel to court on Monday, said the nation could not afford to waste time in courts when there was a lot of development to be done.

However, he added the decision of the people was to be respected as it was part of the democratic process.

Meanwhile, Mr Abel said he was relieved and happy about the court decision.