Former Electoral Commissioner's case adjourned
The defence lawyer for the former Electoral Commissioner will decide whether to proceed with an application to quash charges including forgery against her client after she has time to view a disclosure from the prosecution.
Lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu, who is representing former Commissioner Papalii Malietau Malietoa, told the court on Monday that she did not have time to go through the prosecution’s disclosure.
She asked for a further adjournment so she can decide whether to proceed with her application to quash the charges or not.
Papalii is facing 12 charges of altering a document, forgery, obtaining by deception and using altered documents.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Attorney General’s Office lawyer, Fuifui Ioane did not oppose the request for adjournment.
The matter was adjourned until 17 August by Chief Justice, his Honour Satiu Simativa Perese.
The charges against Papalii stemmed from the time he was heading the Electoral Office in 2014.
He was later sacked in 2015 by Cabinet following a recommendation from the Public Service Commission.