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\f66\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par At Suva
\par Civil Jurisdiction
\par 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 CIVIL ACTION NO. 0250 OF 1995
\par 
\par Between:
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 THE FIJIAN ASSOCIATION
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Plaintiff
\par 
\par - and -
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ADI LITIA SAMANUNU CAKOBAU
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1st Defendant
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 2nd Defendant
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF FIJI
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 3rd Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par Mr. S. Matawalu for Plaintiff
\par Mr. A.R. Matebalavu for 1st Defendant
\par Mr. I. Mataitoga, Solicitor-General,}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  for 2nd and 3rd Defendants}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 RULING
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 In early }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1994}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  pursuant to }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Writs of Election}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  issued by the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 President}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  a general election was held in the country for the purpose of electing members of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 House of Representatives}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par {\*\bkmkstart QuickMark}{\*\bkmkend QuickMark}One of these election writs was directed to the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Commissioner, Central Division}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , requiring him}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... to cause an election to be held according to law of three members to sit and vote
 in the House of Representatives as the members for the Tailevu Fijian Provincial Constituency ... and that on or before the 31st March, 1994 you make a return (to me) of the names of such members when so elected and I hereby direct that you shall receive
 the nomination of ... candidates for such constituency (at his office in Nausori) on the 28th day of January, 1994 ..."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par The election for the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Tailevu Fijian Provincial Constituency}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 was contested by several political parties including the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Ni Taukei}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  (the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 SVT'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ) which fielded 3 candidates under its banner including the first defendant }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Adi Litia Samanunu Cakobau}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ,}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 and}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the plaintiff }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Fijian Association}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which also fielded 3 candidates including the proposed additional plaintiff }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Josevata Nakausabaria Kamikamica}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par On the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 28th of February 1994}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in his report to the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Supervisor of Elections}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Commissioner Central}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  reported that the 3 candidates elected for the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Tai}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 levu Fijian Provincial Constitu}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ency}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  were}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the first defendant, }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Adi Litia Samanunu Cakobau}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and her two running mates.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
The report also recorded that the candidate who polled the fourth highest number of votes was the proposed additional plaintiff }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Josevata Nakausabaria Kamikamica}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par By notice in an extraordinary edition of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Fiji Republic Gazette}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  dated }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 8th March 1994}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Supervisor of Elections}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  published the results of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1994}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 general election declaring amongst others, that the first defendant }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Adi Litia Samanunu Cakobau}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 had been elected as one of the members of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 House of Representatives}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Tailevu Fijian Provincial Constituency}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par Fifteen }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (15)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  months later on the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
18th of May 1995}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the plaintiff Association issued an originating summons against }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Adi Litia Samanunu Cakobau}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Supervisor of Elections}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Attorney-General}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  claiming variou
s declarations and an injunction against the first-named defendant seeking to restrain her}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... from occupying a seat in the House of Representatives as an elected member thereof."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par On the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 19th of May 1995}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  an }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Acknowledgment of Service}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ' }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
was entered for all the defendants by the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Solicitor-General}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 who also lodged a summons to strike out the action on the grounds that it }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 disclosed no reasonable cause of action'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  was }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
scandalous, friv}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 o}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 lous or vexatious'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and otherwise }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 an abuse of the process of the Court'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 The inherent jurisdiction of the Court was also invoked.
\par 
\par Five }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (5)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  days later on the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 24th of May 1995}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the plaintiff Association issued an interlocutory summons seeking to add with his consent, }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Josevata Nakausabaria Kamikamica}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , as a plaintiff to the action.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 

\par 
\par In summary therefore, besides the plaintiff Association's substantive summons, there are }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 two (2)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 interlocutory applications before the Court for immediate consideration, namely, the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Solicitor-General's }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
application to strike out the action }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 and}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the plaintiff Association's application to join }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Josevata Nakausabaria Kamikamica}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  as an additional plaintiff.
\par 
\par I am grateful to all counsels for their written submissions on these 2 applications which I shall now proceed to deal with in order of lodgment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Firstly, the application to strike.
\par 
\par In this regard I would respectfully adopt the decision of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 New Zealand Court of Appeal}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Lucas & Son (Nelson Mail) v. O'Brien}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  (1978) 2 N.Z.L.R. 289}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  as being a convenient summary of the correct approach to the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Solicitor-General's}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  application, where it was 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "}{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Held}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 The court must exercise its ... jurisdiction to strike out pleadings sparingly and with great care to ensure that a plaintiff was not improperly deprived of the opportunity for a trial of his case.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  
}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 However, that did not mean that the jurisdiction was reserved for the plain and obvious case}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  it could be exercised even when extensive argument was necessary to demonstrate that the plaintiff's case was so clearly untenable that it could not possibly succeed."}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par Furthermore as was said by }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Stephenson L.J.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 McKay v. Essex Health Authority}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
(1982) 1 Q.B. 1166}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.1177}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
"... a defendant has a prima facie right to be relieved of having to meet a claim which discloses no reasonable cause of action, ..."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par In support of his application the learned }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Solicitor-General}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  raises three }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (3)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  distinct arguments which may be briefly summarised - }{
\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Firstly}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , it is argued that the present action is a }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 disguised'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which seeks to circumvent the time limit imposed under the relevant electoral regulations}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 secondly}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
, in so far as this is an action brought pursuant to }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the plaintiff Association has no }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 locus'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  or standing to bring the present proceedings}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 thirdly}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
, the plaintiff Association's deliberate omission to raise its objections to the first defendants' candidacy at the appropriate time gives rise to a form of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 estoppel'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which precludes it from now raising its objections.
\par 
\par In brief the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Solicitor-General's}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  submission is that the plaintiff Association's action is }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 friv}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 o}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 lous and vexatious'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in that it is not properly pleaded }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 and also}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  is }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 an abuse of the court's process'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 in that, correct procedures were not followed in bringing the matter before the Court.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Mr. Matawalu}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  for the plaintiff Association on the o
ther hand argues equally forcefully, that the plaintiff Association's action is }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 not}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  a }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 disguised'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 election petition but an original application brought pursuant to }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Furthermore counsel rhetorically asks}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... what better cause of action can anyone bring to Court than (the) breaches of the Constitution which is clearly maintainable as a matter of law}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ?}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par On this latter submission insofar as it appears to suggest that an application raising a constitutional question can never be considered friv}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 o}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 lous or vexatious, I entirely disagree.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 In the }{
\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 first}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  place the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  itself clearly envisages the making of such an order [}{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 See}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  Sections 19(5) and 115(2)].}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Secondly}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , reference may be made to the judgment of }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Gould V.P.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Attorney-General v. Halka}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 18 F.L.R. 210}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 where after considering various authorities dealing with the court's power to strike out proceedings the learned }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Vice-President}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  observed at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.214}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... these cases indicate that in a proper case a Statement of Claim will be s
truck out notwithstanding that it raises a constitutional question ..."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par and }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 finally}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , reference may be made to the judgment of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Fiji Court of Appeal}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
James Madhavan v. John Falvey and Others}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  19 F.L.R. 140}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in which the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Court of Appeal}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  upheld the learned }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Chief Justice's }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 exercise of his summary powers to strike out the action although breaches of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  were alleged and important questions of }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
parliamentary privilege'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  were raised in the appellant's }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Writ}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par Be that as it may the submissions clearly raises for decision important constitutional and procedural questions as to the scope and relationship }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (if any)}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  between the provisions of }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 . 
\par 
\par However before attempting to construe these provisions of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  I remind myself that the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  is }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "the supreme law of Fiji"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Furthermore as was said by the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Privy Council}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Ong Ah Chuan v. Public Prosecutor}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (1981) A.C. 648}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.669}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "The way to interpret a Constitution on the Westminster model is to t
reat it not as if it were an Act of Parliament but }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
as sui generis' calling for principles of interpretation of its own, suitable to its character ... without necessary acceptance of all the presumptions that are relevant to legislation of private law."}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  provides that the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question whether any person has been validly elected as a member of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 House of Representatives}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 and}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 subsection 2 provides for an application to be made to the Court by }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... any person registered as a voter for the purpose of electing members of the House of Representatives ...".}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 In identical vein }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 60}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  makes provision for the determination of questions relating to the validity of the appointment of a member of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Senate}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par It is noteworthy in our }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which is clearly derived from the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Westminster}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  model and which is based on the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 separation of powers'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  that the above provisions dealing with the jurisdiction of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  should occur in }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Chapter VI}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 which deals specifically with }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 PARLIAMENT}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 which is the state organ or institution in which the plenitude of the state's legislative power is vested rather than in what might be considered the more appropriate, }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Chapter VIII}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 deals with the }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 JUDICATURE}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and which establishes the various superior courts and contains provisions setting out }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 inter alia}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the general jurisdiction of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and within which }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Chapter}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  occurs.
\par 
\par In my view the jurisdiction granted to the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  by }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Sections 46 and 60}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and their particular location within the framework of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  are explicable according to the earliest constitutional traditions and privileges of an elected }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Parliament}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and gives meaning and effect to their ambit.
\par 
\par This constitutional tradition is }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667\charrsid5578667 succinctly}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  explained by }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Lord Upjohn}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in the course of delivering the judgment of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Privy Council}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Devan Nair v. Yong Kuan Teik}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (1967) 2 A.C. 31 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
when he said at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.38}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "Constitutionally decisions on questions of co
ntested elections are vested in the assembly for which the contested election has been held, but in the course of the nineteenth century many countries, including this country and many of her Majesty's possessions overseas, adopted the view that, as the d
eliberations of the assembly itself were apt to be governed rather by political considerations than the justice of the case, it was right and proper that such questions should be entrusted to the courts."}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par Almost a century earlier in }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1876 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 and in similar vein, }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Lord Cairns}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in delivering the judgment of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Privy Council }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Theberge v. Laudry}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (1876) 2 A.C. 102}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  said of two }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (2) Acts}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Quebec Parliament}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 dealing with contraverted elections at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.106}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "These two Acts of Parliament ... are Acts peculiar in their character.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 They are not Acts constituting or providing for the decision of mere ordinary civil rights.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
They are Acts creating an entirely new, and up to that time unknown, jurisdiction in a particular Court of the colony, for the purpose of taking out, w
ith its own consent, of the Legislative Assembly, and vesting in that Court, that very peculiar jurisdiction which, up to that time, had existed in the legislative Assembly of deciding election petitions, and determining the status of those who claimed to
 be members of the Legislative Assembly.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
A jurisdiction of that kind is extremely special, and one of the obvious incidents or consequences of such a jurisdiction must be that the jurisdiction, by whomsoever it is to be exercised, should be exercised in a w
ay that should as soon as possible become conclusive, and enable the constitution of the Legislative Assembly to be distinctly and speedily known."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6316193 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 [}{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 See also}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  generally }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Eskine May's }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Parliamentary Practice}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ' }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (21st edn) at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.80}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par In the context of the present application and paraphrasing the above dicta there is not the slightest doubt in my mind that the }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 peculiar'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and previously }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 unknown jurisdiction'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in electoral matters arises from and is to be found exclusively in }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and nowhere else.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 On this jurisprudential basis alone }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  must prevail over }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par But although the parliamentary and constitutional origins of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court's }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
jurisdiction in electoral matters is sufficiently clear, }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  est
ablishes no specific procedure whereby the Court's jurisdiction may be invoked.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 The question that next arises is - }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "can the jurisdiction be invoked through an application under Section 113 of the Constitution }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 or}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  is there some other equally }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 peculiar' procedure}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ?}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
The answer in my view lies in an examination of the powers and functions of the constitutional body charged with the general responsibility and overall supervision for the registration of voters for the election of members of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 House of Representatives}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and the conduct of elections of such members, namely, the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Electoral Commission}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par The }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Electoral Commission}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  is established under }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 53}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... shall have such powers and other functions (relating to the registration of voters
 and the election of members of the House of Representatives) as may be prescribed"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in an Act of Parliament.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 3}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Electoral Decree 1991 }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 further empowers the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Electoral Commission}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 to make regulations }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of the Constitution ..."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 which includes the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court's}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  jurisdiction in electoral matters under }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , and more particularly, for the following matters}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "(a)\tab the registration of voters}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (c)\tab nomination of candidates}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par (d)\tab the holding and conduct of elections, and 
\par (e)\tab election petitions."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par In the exercise of its powers under }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 3 and 3(e)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Electoral Decree}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Electoral Commission}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  has made the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Electoral }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (Election Petition)}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Regulations 1992}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 which sets out comprehensively the scope, contents and necessary parties to an }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the practice, powers and procedure to be followed by the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in the trial of an }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the nature and effect of a decision of the Court on an }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and other incidental matters.
\par 
\par In terms of the present application reference need only be made to the definition of a }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "}{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 petition}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which means a petition questioning an election of a member or members of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 House of Representatives}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  for a constituency }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
(which would encompass the matters raised in the plaintiff Association's originating summons)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , and to the provisions of }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Regulations 3, 5}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 8}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 inter alia}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 has the combined effect of limiting the time within which a valid }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  may be presented to the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  to}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
"... twenty one days after the returning officer has declared any candidate to be elected."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par Furthermore }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Regulation 17}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in keeping with an }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 obvious incident'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the Court's jurisdiction in electoral matters requires the disposal of an }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... within two months after the day on which the petition was filed "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , and }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Regulation 18}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  declares}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
"No appeal shall lie against any decision of the Court on a petition which shall be final and conclusive."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par Bearing in mind the rather special nature of the Court's jurisdiction in electoral matters and the importance in the public interest of securing at an early date a final determination of an }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and thereby ascertaining the representation in }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Parliament}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the constituency affected, this Court is inevitably driven to conclude that its jurisdiction under }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  can only be invoked by way of an }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  brought under the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Election}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (Electoral Petition)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Regulations 1992}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and not otherwise.
\par 
\par Needless to say to permit the plaintiff Association to bring the present application some }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 15 months}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 after}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the official publication of the results of the elections under a general jurisdiction provision of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  would not only amount to ignoring the ver
y special nature of the Court's jurisdiction in electoral matters and the equally special procedures and time limits laid down for invoking the Court's jurisdiction, }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
but most importantly}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , the over-riding public interest in a quick and final decision as to who shall be entitled to sit as the elected representative of the voters of a }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 disputed'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  constituency in the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 House of Representatives}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 would be plagued by uncertainty, and, in the final analysis, rest upon the arbitrary whim of a disgruntled voter.
\par 
\par I cannot accept that the provisions of our }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  which affirms the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 rule of law'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 could be allowed to be used so as to undermine the membership of so vital an institution of the State, as the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 House of Representatives}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par In my view acceptance of the plaintiff Association's argument would have the consequence that in every contested election in which a disgruntled voter alleged a breach of a constitutional provision there would be parallel remedies available to him}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 one}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  by }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 the other}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , by ori
ginating application under }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  to the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  with further rights to appeal to the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Court of Appeal }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 and }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Supreme Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 These parallel remedies would be also cumulative since the right to apply under }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  is stated to be }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
without prejudice to any other cause of action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available.'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par 
\par The result would be that a disgruntled voter having exercised unsuccessfully the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  procedure from which there is no right of appeal, could nevertheless then launch a collateral attack }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
(it may be years later)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  on an election result which the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  had originally upheld, by simply making an application for relief under }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113 }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  to a c
ourt of co-ordinate jurisdiction i.e. the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par The }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Privy Council}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in rejecting a similar argument in }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Chokolingo v. Attorney-General of Trinidad and Tobago}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (1981) 1 ALL E.R. 244}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  said at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.249}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "... an interpretation which would lead to this result 
would in their lordship's view, be quite irrational and subversive of the rule of law which it is a declared purpose of the Constitution to enshrine."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par I am further fortified in my view by the decision of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Privy Council}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{
\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Kemrajh Harrikissoon v. Attorney-General of Trinidad and Tobago}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (1980) A.C. 265}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 where a school teacher unsuccessfully sought to challenge his transfer by invoking the constitutional provisions for redress instead of the available appeal procedures provided by the relevant Regulations.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Lord Diplock}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in categorising the action as }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "wholly misconceived"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  said at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.268}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
"The right to apply to the High Court (for redress) under ... the Constitution, is an important safeguard}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 but its value will be diminished if it is allowed to be misused as a general substitute for the normal procedures for invoking judicial control of administrative action.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 In an originating application to the High Court ... the mere allegation that (a constitutional provision) has been or is likely to be contravened is not
 of itself sufficient to entitle the applicant to invoke the jurisdiction of the court ... if it is apparent that the allegation is friv}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 o}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 lous and vexatious or an abuse of the process of the court as being made solely for the purpose of avoiding the necessi
ty of applying in the normal way for the appropriate judicial remedy ..."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 A fortiori}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in this case where the application is time-barred under the }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 normal procedures'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 available for invoking the court's special jurisdiction in electoral matters.
\par 
\par In my view the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Election}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (Electoral Petition)
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Regulations 1992}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 defines exhaustively the legal rights enjoyed by a disgruntled voter to challenge an }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 undue election or return'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , and the plaintiff Association having deliberately failed to avail itself of that remedy cannot now be permitted to pursue its claim.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 I too would hold that the plaintiff Association's action is }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 wholly misconceived'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 , is }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 an abuse of the process of the court'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and accordingly fails in }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 limine}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .
\par 
\par If however I should be wrong in the above view and that there is a possibility of a }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 conflict'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  between the provisions of }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  and }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  then such conflict as may arise between them ought, in my humble opinion, to be resolved by the application of the rule of statutory construction encapsulated in the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Latin }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 maxim}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "Generalia specialibus non derogant."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  (}{
\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 i.e}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 . }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 general things do not derogate from special things').
\par 
\par This rule was clearly enunciated almost }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 150 years}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  ago in the judgment of }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 John Romilly M.R.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Pretty v. Solly}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (1859) 122 R.R. 263}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  when the learned }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Master of the Rolls}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  said at }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.265}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 : 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "The rule is, that where there is a particular enactment (}{
\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 viz}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ) and a general enactment (}{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
viz}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ) in the same statute, (the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
) and the latter, taken at its most comprehensive sense would over-rule the former, the particular enactment must be operative, and the general enactment must be taken to affect only the other parts of the statute to which it may properly apply.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Again, wherever two parts of a statute are cont
radictory, the Court endeavours to give a distinct interpretation to each of them, by looking at the context."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par It is unfortunate that the draftsman of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1990 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 did not see fit to adopt the cautious approach of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1970 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 - draftsman by expressl
y excluding electoral questions from the ambit of }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  (}{
\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 See}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 97(5)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1970 Constitution'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 ), but the omission only serves in my view, to reinforce the applicability of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 maxim'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
 and is perhaps a reflection of the circumstances under which the }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 1990 Constitution'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  came into being.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par In the context of the present action the particular jurisdiction of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  must prevail over its general constitutional jurisdiction to be found in }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  when dealing with electoral matters raised }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 after}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  the declaration of an election result.
\par 
\par It might be that }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 113 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  may have application at the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 nomination stage'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of an election where a candidate's qualifications to stand for election are more likely to be under scrutiny }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 and}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  where the court's }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 special'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  jurisdiction under }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  could not be invoked, }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 but}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  where an election }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 has been'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  held and the result declared, then in my considered opinion, the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 High Court's}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  jurisdiction under }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Section 46 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
to determine any question as to the validity of such election, must be regarded as complete and exclusive.
\par 
\par Having thus held that the only remedy lawfully available to a disgruntled voter to challenge the results of an election is by way of an }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
, it is unnecessary for me to deal in any detail with the plaintiff Association's application to join }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Josevata Nakausabaria Kamikamica}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  as an additional plaintiff in the action.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
Suffice it to say joinder would make no material difference to the court's decision on the matter.
\par 
\par Nor in m}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 y view is it necessary or desir}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 able that I should express any opinion as to the plaintiff Association's }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 standing'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in terms of either }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Sections 46 or 113}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Constitution}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 or}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  upon the }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 merits'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the plaintiff Association's substantive case }{
\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 or}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  even the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 appropriateness'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  of the various declarations sought by the plaintiff Association and I decline to do so.
\par 
\par I am of course acutely aware that this decision is based upon what many may consider to be }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 legal technicalities'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  but I take some comfort in the decision in }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Arzu v. Arthurs}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (1965) 1 W.L.R. 675}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  where the }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 Privy Council}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  in rejecting an appeal against a decision dismissing an }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 election petition'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  on procedural grounds, said at }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 p.679}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 :
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 "If the decision in t
his peculiar jurisdiction is to be final such finality must apply irrespective of the reasons for the decision.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
The fact that no evidence has been heard does not affect the general principle.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
The court in the present case did not refuse jurisdiction}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 ;}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  it de
cided in its peculiar jurisdiction that the petitions were defective.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 As a result the petitions were dismissed.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
A dismissal based on a procedural matter is none the less a decision in an election petition, even where the matter has not proceeded to the hearing of evidence."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par In conclusion, the application of the plaintiff Association is so clearly an }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 abuse of process'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667  that it could not possibly succeed even in an expanded or amended form, and accordingly must be and is hereby dismissed as }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6316193 '}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 friv}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 o}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 lous and vexatious'}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3968\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 (D.V. Fatiaki)
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par At Suva,
\par 26th June, 1995.
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5578667 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5578667 HBC0250D.95S}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13532508\charrsid5578667 
\par }}