THE trial of the election petition case against Baegu/Asifola MP Tagini Makario will begin on Wednesday.

At the two-day trial, MP Makario will call three witnesses, while petitioner Celsus Talifilu will call seven witnesses.

However, before the trial commences, the parties will argue other preliminary issues before the trial starts.

The issues pertain to MP Makario’s application to strike out the Amended Petition.

MP Makario has applied to strike out the amended petition, claiming that the pleadings are frivolous and vexatious and cannot sustain the case at trial.

However, Justice Lawry has already struck out three grounds and refused to strike out seven grounds, which will be heard during the trial..

Mr Talifilu, a candidate in the Baegu/Asifola Constituency during the last April National General Election initially filed 13 grounds of Election bribery against Makario but later drop three grounds due to insufficient evidence.

The remaining seven grounds includes six allegations of payments made to voters by Mr Makario and one allegation of payment made contrary to section 126(5) of the Electoral Act by the agents of Mr Makario.

Lloyd FitzReggie of Rano & Company represents MP Makario, while Talifilu is being represented by Lily Ramo of Justlaw Attorneys.

By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN

Solomon Star, Honiara