CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer directed parties in the constitutional challenge brought by the New Coalition against the Government for National Unity and Transformation GNUT to file all submissions by tomorrow, ahead of the High Court’s resumption on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for further directions.
In today’s directions hearing, Sir Albert ordered claimants to lodge written submissions and sworn statements by close of business today.
While the defendants must file responses and any further applications by close of business tomorrow. He stressed the matter’s urgency, designating it a “high priority” case to accelerate proceedings.
The New Coalition, comprising six political parties with claimed support from 28 Members of Parliament (MPs), seeks a court order compelling Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to convene Parliament immediately. The originating summons raises key constitutional issues regarding Parliament’s convening under prevailing circumstances.
Claimants are listed as PFP Wing Leader Hon. Fredrick Kologeto, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, Independent Members Leader Manasseh Maelanga, and the six coalition parties. Defendants include the Governor-General, Prime Minister Manele, Speaker of Parliament, and Attorney General.
Attorney General John Muria Jr., representing the defendants, informed the court of an intended application to strike out the proceedings.
Counsel for claimants are John Taupongi, Gabriel Suri, Francis Walelia, and James Kaboke. Government counsel: Muria and Barnabas Upwe.
The case underscores ongoing political tensions following recent electoral shifts.