{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f42\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}
{\f43\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f45\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f46\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f47\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}
{\f48\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f49\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f50\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\sa576\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 9;}{\s16\ql \fi-2160\li2160\ri0\sa216\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 10;}{
\s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style 11;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\sa504\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Style 17;}{\s19\ql \li1296\ri0\sa432\sl312\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1296\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext19 
Style 18;}{\s20\ql \li0\ri0\sa144\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext20 Style 19;}{\s21\ql \li0\ri0\sa216\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext21 Style 20;}{\s22\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext22 Style 1;}{
\s23\qc \li4608\ri4464\sa1008\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin4464\lin4608\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext23 Style 13;}{\s24\ql \li0\ri0\sa936\sl672\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext24 Style 14;}{\s25\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sl684\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext25 Style 15;}
{\s26\ql \fi144\li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\tx2304\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext26 Style 16;}{\s27\ql \li0\ri0\sl672\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext27 Style 21;}{\s28\ql \li720\ri576\sa216\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin576\lin720\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext28 Style 12;}{
\s29\ql \li864\ri0\widctlpar\tx1584\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin864\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext29 Style 22;}{\s30\ql \fi-720\li1296\ri144\sa216\widctlpar\tx1296\faauto\adjustright\rin144\lin1296\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext30 Style 23;}{\*\cs31 \additive \ul\cf2 \sbasedon10 \styrsid15678069 Hyperlink;}}
{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0{\lsdlockedexcept Normal;heading 1;heading 2;heading 3;heading 4;heading 5;heading 6;heading 7;heading 8;heading 9;toc 1;toc 2;toc 3;toc 4;toc 5;toc 6;toc 7;toc 8;toc 9;caption;Title;Default Paragraph Font;Subtitle;Strong;Emphasis;Table Grid;}}
{\*\rsidtbl \rsid937861\rsid995477\rsid1574455\rsid2694332\rsid3827339\rsid3953192\rsid4618877\rsid5142764\rsid5590484\rsid5920480\rsid6947063\rsid7036316\rsid7865876\rsid7871564\rsid8068282\rsid8149169\rsid8525554\rsid8920095\rsid10423382\rsid10770109
\rsid11545400\rsid11938866\rsid12198585\rsid12222229\rsid12395947\rsid12847251\rsid13466990\rsid13766851\rsid14164623\rsid14504531\rsid15100971\rsid15678069\rsid16260027}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author sam_f}{\operator sam_f}
{\creatim\yr2012\mo1\dy6\hr10\min54}{\revtim\yr2012\mo2\dy20\hr14\min44}{\version20}{\edmins192}{\nofpages20}{\nofwords7658}{\nofchars43653}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws51209}{\vern24689}}\paperw11918\paperh16838\margl1369\margr865\margt3027\margb1814 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3
\jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot14164623 \fet0\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}
{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid14504531 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid14504531 Civil Appeal No. C}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14504531 D}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid14504531 V 0001/}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid14504531 2002}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid14504531 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid14504531 (on Appeal from a Judgment by the Fiji Court of Appeal)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid14504531 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid14504531 in Appeal No. ABU006 of 2002
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 IN THE MATTER}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 of the Parliamentary election to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 the House of Representative s of Fiji for the Nadi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Open Cons}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 tituency Seat held from the 25}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 day of August}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par to the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
day of September, 2001 pursuant to the Constitution of Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 AND IN THE MATTER}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 of a
\par Petitio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 n by Krishna Prasad, son}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Ram Nand of Malolo, Nadi,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Fiji Retired FSC Employee,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 in the Court of Disputed Returns.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 BETWEEN:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 PREM SINGH.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 father's name Pritam Singh of Be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694332 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 lup Road, Nadi.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 PETITIONER}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (Original Appellant)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 AND:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 KRISHNA PRASAD }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
son of Ram Nand of Malolo,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Nadi, Fiji Retired FSC Employee.
\par FIRST RESPONDENT }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694332 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (Original First Respondent)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 RUPENI NA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 CEWA}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  of Lautoka,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Fiji Commissioner Western and Returning officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 for the Nadi Open Constituency.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 SECOND RESPONDENT
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (Original Second Respondent)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694332 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 AND:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2694332 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 WALTER RIGA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694332 M}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 OTO}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  of Suva, Fiji, Supervisor of Elections
\par THIRD RESPONDENT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (Original Third Respondent)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 r. D.S. Naidu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694332 , Mr. S.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694332\charrsid15678069  Kumar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2694332  and Mr. R.P. Singh }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 for the Petiti}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 oner/Appellant }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
\par Mr. R. Prakash for the First Respondent
\par Mr. S. Banuve for the Second and Third Respondents}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 DECISION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 A Summons for stay of execution f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 led by the Petitioner was heard in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
Chambers on 20 March 2002. The summons sought }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 "An order that the execution of all further}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947  p}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 roceedings to enforce the Judgment delivered by the High Court on 8 February 2002 in the matter }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 b}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 e stayed pending the determination of the Petition for Special Leave to Appeal to the Supreme Court of Fij}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 i"}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  and costs to be in the cause.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 After the hearing on }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 20 March 2002 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  granted an }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 Interim Order}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  for }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 Stay of Execution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  pending a substantive Decision.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 This was to allow written }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 submissions to be made by First Respondent}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  in reply to the written}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
submissions filed by the Petitioner in support of the Summons. The Petitioner was given liberty to file a reply if necessary. I am most obliged to counsel on both sides for their learned submissions on the stay ap}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 plication. The application was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
adjourned for Decision which I shall now proceed to deliver.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 Background to the Application for Stay of Execution}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 The Petitioner (Prem Singh s/o Pritam S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
ingh) was a candidate in the General Election held between 25 August and 1 September 2001 in the Nadi Open Constituency. On }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 5 September 2001}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  the Petitioner was declared the winner after}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
six rounds of counting votes }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 in that constituency. At the 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid937861\charrsid937861 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Count only two candidates remained, the Petitioner and the First Respondent (Krishna Prasad s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 /}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 o Ram N
and). In the result the Petitioner won by 82 votes from the First Respondent. Of the votes counted 1734 votes were declared invalid. The Petitioner was appointed Leader of the Opposition by the President. Meanwhile on }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid937861 17}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid937861\charrsid937861 th}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861\charrsid937861  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid937861 September 2001}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  the first Responde
nt filed an Election Petition with the High Court at Lautoka exercising special jurisdiction as a Court of Disputed Returns. In a 27-page Judgement delivered on 8 February, 2002 the Court held that the ticks below the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 line in 1278 votes previously declared
 to be invalid by the Returning Officer were valid and should have been included in the count. The Court's findings were made on its interpretation of section 116 of the Election Act 1998. In the result the first Respondent now polled more votes than the 
Petitioner and the first Respondent was declared to be the validly elected member for that constituency in place of the Petitioner.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Petitioner appealed to the Court of Appeal against the decision of the High Court on its interpretation of section 116 o
f the Act. The Court granted a stay for 7 days so that appeal papers could be f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 iled with the Court of A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ppeal.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Court of Appeal (B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 arker, J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
A and Davies JA) heard the purported appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  on }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 21}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947  February 2002 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 and delivered its judgment on }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 1}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947  March 2002}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  in the course of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 which in dealing with the question of right of appeal the Court observed:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
"Section 73(7) of the Constitution (quoted above) is clear and unambiguous when it states that there is no right of appeal from a decision of the High Co}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 urt under s. 73(l)(a) as Gates J}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11938866 .}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
's decision clearly was. That statement in the Constitution is reinforced by s.153(2) of the Act which indicates the obvious when it says: "The right of appeal against any decision of the Court is governed by section 73(7) of the Constitution."}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
Council for the Appellant submitted that there was a right of appeal to this Court notwithstanding the unambiguous in}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 dications to the contrary in s.7}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 3(7) of the Constitution a}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 n}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
d s.183(2) of the Act on the following grounds:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 (a) S}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 .12}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937861 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 (2) of th
e Constitution gives a right of appeal to this Court from a final judgment of the High Court to any matter arising under the Constitution or involving its interpretation.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 (b) The function exercised by the High Court sitting as a Court of Disputed Returns 
is an original jurisdiction of the High Court conferred on it by the Constitution. The said function is consistent}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 with its jurisdiction in deciding other civil cases. Hence there is a right of appeal under s.121(2) of the Constitution.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 (c) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
The Judge in his interpretation of s.116 of the Act has "acted as a legislator" by allowing votes to be counted which the Act does not permit to be counted.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 (d) The}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947  Judg}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 e thereby contravened section 54}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947  of the Constitution which mandates the preferential system of votin
g known as the alternative vote.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid3827339 S.121(2) o}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11938866 f}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid3827339  Constitution
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 S 121 of the Constitution provides as follows:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 (1) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
The Court of Appeal has jurisdiction, subject to this Constitution and to such requirements as the Parliament prescribes, to hear and determine appeals from al}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 l}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947  judgments of the High Court, and has such other jurisdiction as is conferred by law.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
(2) Appeals lie to the Court of Appeal as of right from a final judgment of the High Court in any matter arising under this Constitution or involving its interpretation.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 (3) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
The Parliament may provide that appeals lie to the Court of Appeal, as of right or with leave, from other judgments of the High Court in accordance with such requirements as the parliament prescribes. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
It is important to note in s.121(1) that the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal is "subject to this Constitution and to such requirements as the Parliament prescribes." Where the Constitution has specifically stated that there is to }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 e no right of appeal from the Court of Dispu}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 
ted Returns, that provision (s.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 73(7) overrides a general provision such as}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 s. 12}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 (2). In other words, s}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 21(1) 
governs the interpretation of s.121(2). As will be seen later in this judgment, a provision denying an appeal from an electoral Court is fairly universal. In this Court's view, therefore, s.121(}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 2}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 ) of the Constitution cannot give a right of appeal to the Court }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 of Appeal}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947  from a decision of the High Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
A provision forbidding any appeal from a decision of a Court required to adjudicate on disputed parliamentary elections is by no means novel. Cases where such a prov
ision has never even been queried emanate from many Commonwealth jurisdictions. The reason for such a provision was stated as long ago as 1876 by the Privy Council in a Canadian appeal, Theberge v. Laudry (1876), 2App. Cas 1}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339 0}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 2,}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3827339  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 106 in these words:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 "A juri
sdiction 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 way that should as soon as possible become con
clusive, and enable the constitution of the Legislative Assembly to be distinctly and speedily known."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Court of Appeal then concluded that for the reasons it gave }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
"section 73(7) of the Constitution precludes an appeal being taken from a judgment of the Court of Disputed Returns to the Court of Appeal".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 The purported appeal was accordingly dismissed by the Court of Appeal for want of jurisdiction.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 On }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 13 M}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 arch 2002}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  the Petitioner filed a petition for special leave to appeal to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 the Supreme Court under section 122(2)(b) of the Constitution and the Supreme}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Court Act 1998. The petition seeks to raise the following issues:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
"Whether a decision from a Court of Disputed Returns which involves and raises serious Constitutional issues can }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8068282 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
e appealed pursuant to section 121(2) of the Constitution. And also whether decision of the Court of Disputes Returns which is contrary to the Constitution can be appealed pursuant to section 121(2) of the Constitution.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 The validation of single ticks below the line on a Part II }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8068282 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
allot paper defeats section 54(1) of the Constitution which mandates a preferential system of voting known as the alternative vote.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
The public should know the proper method of voting under the Electoral Act 1998 as do the Supervisor of Elections Office.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12395947 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 
For the future protection of the citizens vote a decisive decision is necessary in the interpretation of S 54 of the Constitution and section 116 of the Electoral Act 199}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid12395947 8}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid12395947 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 That the voters who voted in the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8068282 N}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 adi Open Constituenc
y are constitutionally entitled to have their member to the House of Representatives elected under the preferential voting system called the alternative vote as the voters in other Constituencies have had their members elected to the House of Representati
ves in the 2001 General Elections by the preferential voting system called the alternative vote.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
That the decision of the Trial Judge has the potential to drastically change he composition of the House of Representatives.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12395947\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 That by reason of the foregoing the Petitioner has suffered substantial and grave injustice.}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8068282 "}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR STAY OF EXECUTION PENDING APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL LEAVE TO APPEAL
\par - CASE FOR PETITIONER
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for the Petitioner relies on the principles which have been variously}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 described by the authorities typically of which is the statement by}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554  Brennan J}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  (as he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 then}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  was) in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 Jennings Construction L}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
td. v. Burgundy Investments Pty Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 . (No.1) (1986) 161 CLR at 685}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"In exercising the extraordinary jurisdiction to stay, the following factors are material to the exercise of the court's discretion. In each case when the Court is satisfied a stay is required to preserve the subject matter of the litigation, it 
is relevant to consider -first, whether there is a substantial prospect that special leave to appeal will be granted, }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 secondly}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 , }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8068282 whether }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8068282\charrsid8525554 the}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554  applicant has failed to take whatever steps are necessary to seek a stay from the court in which the matter is pendi
ng; thirdly, whether the grant of a stay will cause loss to the respondent; and fourthly, where the balance of convenience lies. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Also pertinent in this context is }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Mason CJ's}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  suggestion that there should be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"significant prospect of the applicants succeeding in obtaining special leave" }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Evans v. CBPC}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 . (1993) 68 at LJR 125 at 126).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 To the same effect is }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 McHugh J's }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
assertion in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Collier v. Sengos }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (1993)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 67}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11938866  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ALJR 8I0 at 811:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"To obtain a stay of proceeding the applicants would have to persuade me that they at least have a real chance of obtaining ................ special leave."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for Petitioner also referred to other principles for stay of execution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 These are discussed below:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10423382 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
Whether the appeal would be rendered nugatory if the stay is not granted and whether the first Respondent would suffer any prejudice if the stay is granted.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 It was submitted that the first Respondent would not suffer any prejudice if a stay ord
er is granted. This is because if the first Respondent is successful in this appeal, his parliamentary remuneration would be back-dated to when the trial judge ruled in the first Respondent's favour in the election petition.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
On the other hand the Petitioner would be severely prejudiced if he is not granted a stay and if his appeal is successful he would be severely prejudiced. The result would be the Petitioner's appeal would be rendered nugatory.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Petitioner is not only a member of Parliament but he also occupies the important constitutional office of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12222229 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Leader of Opposition' by virtue of being a member of the House of Representatives. As the Leader of Opposition, the Petitioner is consulted over various constitutional appointments.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Much confusion would result in parliamentary affairs if the Petitioner's application for stay was not granted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Whether the balance of convenience demands that the status quo be maintained pending the determination of the appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 It was submitted that the balance of convenience lies with the Petitioner. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12222229\charrsid15678069 If}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  this application for a stay of execution is not granted then, as already noted the Petitioner and the people that he represents in Parliament would be severely prejudiced.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 On the other hand the first Respondent w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 ould not suffer any}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  financial inconvenience if a stay was granted because if he should be successful in this appeal any}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 parliamentary remuneration due to him would be preserved and back-dated to 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12222229\charrsid12222229 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12222229  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12222229\charrsid15678069 February}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 , 2002.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Whether an appeal is an arguable one and whether the applicant has good prospect of obtaining special leave to appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 As regards this principle for stay of execution reference was made to section 7(3) of the Supreme Court Act which states that special leave may not be granted unless the case raises }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 \endash }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (i)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 a far-reaching question of law;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (ii)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 a matter of great general or public importance; and/or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (iii)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 a matter that is otherwise of substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13466990 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (1)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
 far-reaching point of law}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Petitioner submitted that the matters set}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  out in his petition concern far-}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 reaching points of law. It is said the case involves the true interpretation of section 73(1)(a) as read with section 121(2) of the Constitution. The 
argument is that the Petitioner was elected to the House under the Electoral Act 1998 which is based in fact on the preferential system of voting known as the alternative vote under}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 section 54 of the Constitution. The questions of law that the Supreme Court wou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 be invited to determine are these:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 "(a) What is the ambit of the power of the Court of Disputed Returns under section 73(}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 )(a) of the Constitution?, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13466990 and}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 (b)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  W}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 hat is the nature of the power of the Court of Disputed Returns under section 73 (1) (a) of the Constitution?, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13466990 and}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 (c) What is the ambit of the appellate jurisdiction under section 121 of the Constitution?

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 (d) Is there sufficient nexus between section .}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 5}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
4(1) of the Constitution and section 116(3) (d) of the Electoral Act 1998 to bring the interpretation of the latter within the right of Appeal under section 121(2) of the Constitution?
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 (e) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
Is there sufficient nexus between section 54(2) of the Constitution and the Electoral Act to bring the interpretation of the Electoral Act within the right of Appeal under section 121(2) of the Constitution?
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 (f) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
Is the power of the Court of Disputed Returns under section 73(1) (a) of the Constitution, of such a nature as to allow that Court to unilaterally and without review of any kind whatsoever decide on the interpretation of section 116(3)(}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 d}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 ) and thereby effectively define the alternative vote mandated by section 54(1) of the Constitution and, }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 define}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554  the intention of Parliament in the Electoral Act as mandated by section }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 5}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 4(2) of the Constitution?
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 (g) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
Does the special jurisdiction of the Court of Disputed Returns give it power to unilaterally and without review of whatsoever kind, interpret provisions and}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 /}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 or powers (including incidental powers) under the Constitution?"
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
\par (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 matters of great general or public importance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that the intended appeal would raise matters of great general or public importance. Some of the reasons for this contention are as follows:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Three election petitions are pending before the Court of Disputed Returns in Suva High Court have yet to be determined in pursuance of the powers of the Court under section 7}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 3(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 )(a) of the Constitution. These three election petitions would }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 
also involve the interpretation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  of section 116 of the Electoral Act No. 18, 1998. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 They concern ballot papers of a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 bout ninety (9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ) thousand}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  voters and these have to be re-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 examined if the Suva High }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 
Court interpreted the section.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
However there is possibility that the decisions in the other election Petitions may be different from the decision of Justice Gates. In such an event there will be a lot of confusion as to which of the two Courts of Dispu
ted Returns is correct in its interpretation in respect of votes cast below the l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 ine in a Part }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 I ballot papers.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The public cannot be left in the dark as regards the proper method of voting under the Electoral Act 1998. This is a problem which is acut
ely recognised by the Supervisor of Elections Office as noted by the Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 of Appeal on 6}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid13466990\charrsid13466990 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990\charrsid15678069 February}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 200}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 2 at page 22 stated the following:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"... the Supervisor would have liked a definitive ruling from this Court, particularly when a by-election in another part of Fiji is imminent. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 For the future protection of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11938866\charrsid15678069 c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11938866 itizens\rquote }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  vote a definitive ruling}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  in the highest court in the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 and is necessary in the interpretation of Section 54 of the constitution and section 116 of the Electoral Act 1998. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 O}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 n 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid13466990\charrsid13466990 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 February 2002 when delivery his Ruling on the application for sta}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13466990 y}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  of execution Justice Gates stated at page 14 the following:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 "... to de}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 n}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 y that there is an alte}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 rn}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
ative interpretation, albeit one that I have felt compelled to reject would be immodest and foolhardy. As I have said, this is n}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11938866 ot an easy}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554  section to interpret. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 (d) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
The voters who voted in the Nadi Open Constituency are constitutionally entitled to have their member to the House of Representatives elected under the preferential voting system c
alled the alternative vote as the voter in the other constituencies have had their members elected in the 2001 General Election by the preferential voting system.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 (e) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
If Justice Gates' interpretation is assumed to be correct then the general public had be
en misled by the vigorous advertising and other educational campaign which the public were told that voting below the line was to be numbered according to a voter's preference in accordance with the preferential voting system.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 (f) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Decision of Justice 
Gates holding that ticks below the line on a Part }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7036316 II}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 ballot paper and in the 1999 general elections below the line ticks opposite the name of a single candidate on a Part II ballot paper was also held invalid could potentially change the entire membership 
of the House of Representatives by the judge's interpretation of section 116 of the Electoral System.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
a matter that is otherwise of substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The aphorism that, "justice must be done and be seen to be done", is the bulwark of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11938866 the protection afforded to the '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
administration of civil justice'. The 'administration of civil justice' would be adversely affected if the powers of a Court of Disputed Returns were used in a manner for which they were not intended as the issues raised in the intended application for sp
ecial leave to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
appeal clearly demonstrated. The Court in this case has purported to usurp the authority of Parliament in purporting to amend the Electoral Act. This cuts across he doctrine of separation of powers.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The issues relating to the nature, ambit and power of a Court of Disputed Re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 turns should b}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 e seen in the context of the views expressed by James Madison in the Federalist:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive and judicial, in the same hands, whether of one, few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554  very definition of tyranny.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for Petitioner submitted that this appeal raises issues that are of substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice and sho
uld for that reason be allowed to be entertained in the Supreme Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Interpretation of Finality Clauses
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The relevant provision which has given rise to this particular issue is section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 73(7) of the Constitution which states:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 "A determination by the High Court in proceedings und}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 er paragraph (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 )(a) is final".}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Several authorities on this issue were cited by the Petitioner. Suffice it is to refer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 briefly to a couple of these to show how the law has developed and evolved from its}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 earlier position.
\par 
\par The celebrated case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Anisminic v Foreign Compensation &Anor }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 [}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 1969}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  1 ALL ER }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 08 lends support to the contention that the old view on finality clauses has changed. The case was cited with app}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554 roval in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 Ratu Jeremaia Natauniy}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 alo}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 u}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554  v Native Land Commission and A}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 nor }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 (F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 CA) Civil Appeal No. AB40067 where the Court of Appeal stated at page 4:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5142764 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 "in }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid5142764 
Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission and Anor}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554  [1969}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 ] 1 AC 147 Lord W}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 ilberforce's speech in that case is so authoritative as to make two quotations from it sufficient. Speaking }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
of preclusive }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 clauses h}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 e said.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"..... The question, what is the tribunals proper area is one which it has always been permissible to ask and to answer, and it must follow that examination of its extent is not
 precluded by a clause conferring conclusiveness, finality or unquestionability upon its decisions given within the field of operation entrusted to the tribunal. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 Pearlman v Keepers & Governors of Harrow School }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 [}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 1974] 1 ALL ER 365 where the finality clause }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5142764 w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
as comprised in Section 107 of the County Courts Act 1959 which states.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"But even if S 107 does apply to this case, it only excludes certiorari for error of law on the face of the record. It does not exclude the power of High Court to issue certior
ari for absence of jurisdiction ... if he makes a wrong finding on a matter on which his jurisdiction depends, he makes a jurisdictional error and certiorari will lie to quash his decision. See }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid5920480 Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 by Lord Wilberforce.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Further on at page 372 Lord Denning stated that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8525554 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 
"The High Court has, and should have, jurisdiction to control the proceedings of inferior courts and tribunal by w}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11545400 ay of judicial review. When they}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554  go wrong in law, the High Court should have power to put them right. Not only in the instant case to do justice to the Complainant}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid8525554  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 but also so as to secure that all courts and }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5920480\charrsid8525554 tribunals}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 , when faced with the sa}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5920480 m}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8525554 e point of law, should decide it in the same way. It is intolerable that a citizen's
 rights in point of law should depend on which judge tries this case, or in what court it is heard. The way to get things right is to hold thus, no court or tribunal has any jurisdiction to make an error law on which the decision of the case depends. If i
t makes such an error, it goes outside its jurisdiction and certiorari will lie to correct it. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8525554\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5920480 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
"On these grounds I am of opinion that certiorari lies to quash the determination of the county court judge, even though it was made by statute }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5920480 '}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 final and conclusive'.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The concept was further developed in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid5920480 RE a Company }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 [198}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5920480 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
] 2 ALL ER 634 where the Court of Appeal allowed an appeal rather than a review by way of certiorari, notwithstanding the exclusionary words of a statute.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 In this case the finality clause was comprised in Section 441(3) of the Companies Act 1948 which states:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "The decision of a judge of the High Court .....;....... On an application under this s}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 ection shall not }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5920480 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 e appealable".}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 It was held by the Court of Appeal that there was a right of appeal against the decision of the High Court notwithstanding the above finality clause contained in the Companies Act.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The reasons for the above finding can be found in the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 Lord Denning MR at page 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 86 stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
"The first question which arises is: can the Director of Public Prosecutions appeal to this court? Section 441(3) provides: "The decision of a judge of a High Court... on an application under this section shall not be appealable}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 ".}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  In my opinion, that subsection is not a bar to the appeal to}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
this court. There are many cases now which show that if a judge misconstrues a statute by giving himself jurisdiction when he has none or by refusing jurisdict
ion when he has it, then he makes an error which goes to the jurisdiction: and there is an appeal to this court, no matter how wide the words which seem to exclude it For authority in this regard, I need only refer to }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid5920480 Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 and especially to what was said by L}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5920480 o}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 rd Reid, by Lord Pearce and Lord Wilberfo}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 
rce, to which I would add a few}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  words of my own in the later case of }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid5920480 
Pearlman v Keepers and Governors of Harrow School }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
........ no court ....... has any jurisdiction to make an error of law on which the decision of the case depends. It seems to me that in this case, if the judge made an error of law in construing the words of the section, if he construed the words "an off
ence" etc too narrowly, then he made an error of law which made hm refuse jurisdiction when he ought to have entertained it. So the appeal can be entertained here in this court "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 Jurisdictional Issue -Chances of Success of Application for Special Leave to Appeal
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
On this aspect of the matter Counsel for the Petitioner has submitted that the Court of Appeal erred in law in dismissing the Petitioner's appeal for want of jurisdiction on the basis that section 73(7) of the Constitution provides that there is no
 right of appeal from or decision of the High Court sitting as a Court of Disputed Returns when section 121(2) of the Constitution does give a right to appeal. Moreover, it was submitted that the trial judge misconstrued Section 115 3(d) and Section 116 3
(
b)(ii) of the Electoral Act 1998 which was an error of law going to jurisdiction which gives the Petitioner a right to appeal the said decision. It was also submitted that trial judge's misconstrution or wrong interpretation of section 116 3(d) and 116 3(
b
)(ii) of the Electoral Act 1998 is inconsistent with Section 54 of the Constitution and therefore makes the decision of the trial judge a matter arising under the Constitution and therefore the said decision of the trial judge is appealable as of right un
der section 121(2) of the Constitution. For this and other reasons it was submitted that there is a reasonable prospect of the application for special leave to appeal }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 to the Supreme Court succeeding}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 .
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 Error of la}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574455 w}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
 on interpretation of Electoral Act by trial judge
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 By misconstruing and/or wrongly interpreting Section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574455 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
6(3)(d) and (b)(ii) of the Electoral Act 1998 Justice Gates made an error of law going to jurisdiction and therefore appealable as shown by the cases of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 Anisminic, Pearlman}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  and }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 Re a Company.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for Petitioner submitted Justice Gates erred in law in declaring the first Respondent to be a validly elected membe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574455 
r in the Nadi Open Constituency}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  in place of the Petitioner for the following reasons:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The interpretation and/or construction given to section 116(3)(b)(ii) and section 116(3)(d) of the Electoral Act 1998 by the trial}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574455  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 judge is contrary and/or inconsistent with the preferential system of voting as mandated by section 54(1) of the Constitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The judge acted ultra vires by giving section 116(3)(d) and section 116(3)(b)(i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574455 i) of the Electoral Act 1998 an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  interpretation which validated the below the line single ticks on Part }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11545400 II}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  ballot papers opposite the names of the individual candidates.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The trial judge erred in law by taking into consideration extraneous matters whilst interpreting and giving effect Section 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574455 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 6(3)(b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8920095 )(ii) and Section 116(3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
(d) of the Electoral Act 1998.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Section 75 of the Electoral Act 1998 provides the correct manner of marking the ballot papers in a General Election.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 Section 75(2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 )which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109  deals specifically with Part II}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  ballot paper provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8920095 "(2) I}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 f a ballot paper ha}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 nded to a voter is Part II}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  ballot paper (and this is th
e case here), the voter may mark his or her vote on the ballot paper:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 (a) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
either in the manner described in subsection (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11545400 I}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 ) or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
(b) by placing a tick in one of the boxes which appear at the top of the ballot paper opposite the name of a registered political part}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8920095 y}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  or independent candidate
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 But subject to s 116(3) may not do both."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Section 75 defines where a tick is placed on a Part II ballot paper. Section 75 clearly states that a tick should be placed above the li
ne opposite the name of a registered political party or an independent candidate and numbers should be placed below the line on a Part II ballot paper.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Section 75 is explicit in establishing the meaning of the "tick" and "numbers" which are the same words
 used in s 116(3). This provision of the Electoral code is mandatory. There are no exceptions to this. This is in line with the preferential system of voting. In a system such as ours, the purpose of voting on a Part }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11545400 II}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  ballot paper above the line to allow
 the party being voted for to give preferences on our behalf whereas when one votes below the line one is giving his/or her own personal preferences.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The qualifying words in section 75 are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12198585 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "Subject to s 116(3), may not do both"}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 In other words section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11545400  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 11
6(3) is a saving provision provides instances when the voter may do both, that is, place a tick above the line and also provide numbers below the line.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that there are no provisions for single ticks below the line. To a
llow this would defeat the purpose of voting below the line which is that the voter provides his/her own preferences when voting below the line.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 To properly understand the meaning of section 116(3)(b)(ii:) and section 116(3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (d) and one must attempt to understand the entire section.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 Generally section 116}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (3) of the Electoral Act 1998 provides the }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "sav}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 ing provisions"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109  for votes that w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ould be invalid in terms of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 section 75 of the Electoral Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 One has to look at section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971  116(3) of the Electoral Act 19}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 98 in it
s entirety to understand the meaning of the provisions in question and also to illustrate which votes are to be treated as valid despite section 75 of the said Act. It should be noted that section 116(3) deals with Part II ballot papers.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 Section 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 16(3)(a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109  of the Electoral Act provides:-}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
"If the voter has placed numbers opposite the names of the individual candidates, the rules set out in sub-section (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 2}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
) apply for ascertaining whether the ballot paper is valid in re}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 spect of individual candidates.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 Section 116(2) appl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ies to Part I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  ballot paper only where one can place numbers as it does not have an 'above-the- line' section a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 s in a Part II ballot paper. So }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 if the voter places the numbers 'below-the- line' and these numbers are in accordance with Section 116(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  then that vote is valid as per Section 116 (3)(a).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 Section 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 6(3)(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 b}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 )(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ) and (ii)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109  of the Electoral Act provides:-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "If the voter has placed numbers as aforesaid and }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 \endash }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 (i) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
by applying the rules set out in subsection (2 ) the ballot paper would be invalid in respect of individual candidates; but
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
(ii) there is a tick opposite the name of and only one registered political party or independent candidate which or }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 w}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
ho has lodged a list of candidates under section 61,
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 the order of preference shown o
n that list in respect of individual candidates is to be treated as the voter's order of preference in respect of those candidates. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 CASE FOR FIRST RESPONDENT IN OPPOSITION TO PETITIONER'S STAY APPLICATION
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The first Respondent cited in support of his submissions the F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 iji}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  Court of Appeal case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 Krishna Murti v Atul Kumar Ambalal Patel }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15100971 FCA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15100971  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 Civil}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  Appeal No. ABU}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 001}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 4 of 2000 where at pa}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 es 2 and 3 of the decision it was stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "A number of considerations have to }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 e taken into account by a judge exercising his discretion whether or not to grant a stay of execution. }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 Prima }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 f}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 acie the }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 p}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 ar}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 ty}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  succeeding in}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109  }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 t}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 he}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  Hi}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 g}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 h Court is entitled to en}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 joy }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 immediate}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 ly}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
 the fruits o}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 f}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  this success.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
However, if an appellant shows that he has a good arguable case to present on the hearing of the appeal and if refusal of the stay will cause detriment to the appellant which cannot }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15100971 b}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 e effectively remedied if his appeal succeeds, so that the appeal will }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 b}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 e rendered nugatory, it may }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
e appropriate for the discretion to grant a stay to }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 e exercised in his favour.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 In the present instance the appellant and his }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 family}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  will suffer detriment, as they reside on the land and have no other residence. Also that farmi
ng of the land is the appellant's only source of income; if the lease was not effectively terminated, it has over three years to run. However, if the stay is granted, the respondent will be kept out of enjoyment of possession of the land until the appeal 
is }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477\charrsid10770109 heard}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 .}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477\charrsid10770109  As}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  the statement of events and the applicable law which I have set out above discloses, the appellant's prospect of success which the appeal is heard is extremely poor.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
I have decided that in all the circumstances of the present case the interest of justice will he best ser}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7871564 ved by refusing to grant a stay}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  of execution. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 Atul K}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 umar Ambalal Patel v Krishna Murti }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 (unreported) Civi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  Action HBC0225.99L in ruling against th
e grant of a stay, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109 he High Court stated at pages 2-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 3:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10770109 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "Once successful, the litigant should not lightly }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 e deprived of the fruits of his successful litigation: }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 The Annot L}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 yle}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
 (1886) 11 P.D. 114 at 116}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 CA}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 ;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid995477 Monk }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 
v. Bartram}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 1891}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 )}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  1 AB 346. The power of the Court to grant a stay is discretionary. }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 The}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477\charrsid995477  A}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 ttorne}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477\charrsid995477 y}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 -General }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477\charrsid995477 v}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 . Emerson and Others}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  (1890}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7871564  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 24 QBD 56; and it is "an unfettered discretion " }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 Winchester Cigarette Machinery Ltd }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477\charrsid995477 v}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 . }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477\charrsid995477 P}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 ayne and Anor}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 . (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 N}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 o. 2) (1993) TLR 647 at 648.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 
If a stay, was not granted by the Court at the time of making the order now appealed against, the applicant must show that special circumstances exist as to why a stay should now be imposed, and the successful litigant in effect held back from his remedy:
 }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 Tuck v Southern Counties Deposit Bank}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  (188}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 9}
{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 ) 42 Ch. D. 471 at 478 per Kay J; }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 Atkins v. G W. Railway}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  (1886) 2 TLR 400; }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7871564 Barker v}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477  Lave}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 r}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 y}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  (1885) 14 QBD 769. In the }{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid995477 Winchester Cigarette}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109  case (supra) at 648 Lord Justice Ho}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid995477 b}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 house put it "The appellant had to show some special circumstances which too}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid10770109 k the case out of the ordinary.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid10770109 "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10770109\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
In this matter the High Court gave full and reasoned decision in its role as the Court of Disputed Returns. In the result it declared the first Respondent the lawfully elected member for the Nadi Open Consti}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 tuency. Section 73(1)(a) of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 Constitution gives the Court jurisdiction to hear and determine the questions related to whether the person has been validly el}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 ected as a member of the House }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 of Representatives.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
The judge granted a stay for seven days to file and appeal to the Fiji Court of Appeal and expressed doubts whether a right of appeal existed against the final decision of the Court of Disputed Returns under the provisions of Section 73(7) of the Constitu
tion which provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 "A determination by the High Court in proceedings under paragraph }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 1}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 (a) is final".
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Court of Appeal (Barker }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
A and DaviesJA) in dealing with the stay application fully considered the question whether any right of appeal existed from the decision of a Court of Disputed Returns. The Court of Appeal held that it had no }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251\charrsid15678069 jurisdiction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  to consider the appeal and dismissed the appeal for want of jurisdiction.
\par 
\par It was submitted on behalf of the first Respondent that the present application fo
r stay can only be considered and granted if a right of appeal exists from the decision of the Court of Disputed Returns. If no such right of appeal exists then this Court would have no jurisdiction to deal with the present application and a stay order ca
n
not be granted. It was also submitted that this Court has no inherent jurisdiction to grant a stay on the present application. The Supreme Court's jurisdiction to deal with the stay application is conferred by Section 14 of the Supreme Court Act 1998 and 
it can exercise all powers and authority o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 f the Court of Appeal. Section 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
0 of the Court of Appeal Act empowers the Court to deal with stay applications. Counsel submitted that unless a right of appeal exists the Supreme Court cannot exercise this jurisdict
ion which is granted under statute. The Court of Appeal explained the question at page 4 as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
"Before considering the application for stay, the Court must decide whether there is a right of appeal from the Court of Disputed Returns. If there is no right of appeal, then there can }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 b}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 e no stay and the purported appeal will have to be dismissed. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel submitted further that the Court of Appeal correctly ruled that no right to appeal existed under section 73(7) of the Constitution under the circu}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 mstances of this case. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 At page 4 of its judgment, the Court of Appeal observed:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
"Section 73(7) of the Constitution quoted above is clear and unambiguous when it states that there is no right of appeal from a decision of the High Court under Section 73(l)(a) a
s Gates J's decision clearly was. The statement in the Constitution is reinforced by Section 153(2) of the Act which indicates the obvious when it says: }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 '}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 The right of appeal against any decision of the Court is governed by Section 73(7) of the Constitution.' "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 It was claimed on behalf of the Petitioner that by virtue of section 121(2) of the Constitution there is a right of appeal from a f}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 na}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  judgment of the High Court in any matter arising under the Constitution }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 or involving its interpretation}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 . Sec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12847251 tion 121}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  of the Constitution provides as follows:

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 "(1) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
The Court of Appeal has jurisdiction, subject to this Constitution and to such requirements as the Parliament prescribes, to hear and determine appeals from all judgments of the High Court, and has such other jurisdiction as is conferred by law.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 (2) }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
Appeals lie to the Court of}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4618877  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
Appeal as of right from a final judgment of the High Court in any matter arising under this Constitution or involving its interpretation.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 (3) The Pa
rliament may provide that appeals lie to the Court of Appeal, as of right or with leave, from other judgments of the High Court in accordance with such requirements as the Parliament prescribes. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 On proper reading of Section 121, it is obvious that the jurisdiction given to the Court of Appeal is }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
"subject to the Constitution its}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4618877 elf}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  and such requirements as the Parliament}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 prescribes"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
: For this reason Section 73(7) would prevail over Section 121(2). Counsel submitted that Section 121(2) does not give the Petitioner a right of appeal as explained by the Court of Appeal in these terms:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 "It is important to note in s.121(1) that the jurisdiction of the Court }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 of Appeal}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  is }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4618877 '}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 subject to this Constitution and to such requirements as the Parliament prescribes.' Where
 the Constitution has specifically stated that there is to be no right of appeal from the Court of Disputed Returns, that provision (s. 73(7)) overrides a general provision such as s.121(2). As will be seen later in this judgment, a provision denying an a
ppeal from an electoral Court is fairly universal. In this Court's view, therefore, s.121(2) of the Constitution cannot give a right of appeal to the Court }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4618877\charrsid13766851 of Appeal}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  from a decision of the High Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The reason w
hy there is no right to appeal from the decision of the Court of Disputed Returns is to ensure that the rights of the electorate and their Parliamentary representatives are known as quickly as possible. This view is reinforced by Section 153(1) of the Ele
ctoral Act which requires that the Court of Disputed Returns must give its decision and make an order on the petition as soon as practicable.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Court of Appeal elaborated in its judgment its reasoning at pages 6 and 7 as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 "A }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
provision forbidding
 any appeal from a decision of a Court required to adjudicate on disputed parliamentary elections is by no means novel. Cases where such a provision has never been queried emanate from many Commonwealth jurisdictions. The reason for such a provision was s
tated as long ago as 187}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 6}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  by the Privy Council in a Canadian appeal,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  Theberge v Laudry (1876), 2 app. Cas 102, 106 in these words:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
"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 way }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169\charrsid13766851 that should}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  as soo}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 n}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  as possible become conclusive, and enable the constitution of the Legislative Assembly to be }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169\charrsid13766851 distinctly}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  and speedily known. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 "A similar perspective was taken by the Privy Council in a Malaysian appeal. in }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8149169 Nair v. Teik,}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169\charrsid8149169 [}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8149169 1967}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid8149169 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7871564  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid8149169 2 A.C. 31}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8149169 , at pp.39-40}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
, their Lordship noted previous decisions from such disparate countries as Ceylon and British Honduras (as Sri Lanka and Belize then were).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 In sim
ilar vein is the comment of the Election Court (consisting of 3 High Court judges) in the New Zealand case of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8149169 Re Wellington Central Election Petition}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid8149169  [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid8149169 1973] 2 NZLR 470, 477-8:}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 '}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 That assembly itself and the electors of the representatives hereto should know
 their rights at the earliest moment Because of the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 finality}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
 of the decision of the Election Court, the New Zealand legislation mandates a Court of 3 Judges."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 According to counsel Section 121(2) of the Constitution does not give unlimited jurisdiction to 
appeal but only gives a right to appeal those matters which arise under the Constitution or involve its interpretation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for first Respondent submitted that when coming to his decision and in making the declaratory orders Justice Gates did not deal
 with the provisions of the Constitution or interpreted the provisions. The mere fact that the Judge sat as a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  Court of Disputed Return}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 s which is established by the Constitution does not mean that the Court is dealing with matters under the Constitution or 
interpreting constitutional provisions. The provisions the Judge was conce}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 rn}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
ed with and interpreted were in effect the provisions of the Electoral Act. His decision was based on his interpretation of Section 116 of the Electoral Act. The Judge gave his dec
ision and made the order on the petition pursuant to Section 153(1) of the Electoral Act and not under any provisions of the Constitution. Counsel submitted that the Court of Appeal was correct in arriving at its conclusion when it stated:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 "Gates J. was r
equired to interpret the provisions of the Electoral Act 1998. He did so in some detail, criticising the drafting of}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 s. 116, the crucial section. The Judge did not purport to interpret any part of the Constitution. The fact that the subject matter of the c
ase, namely an election, is a topic discussed at length in the Constitution is irrelevant. The case is no different from }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 Kulavere's}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  where the subject of the case i.e. the right of a fair trial, also featured in t}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
he Constitution. Neither }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 cas}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 e}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169  '}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 involved or entangled}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 '}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
 the Constitution in the words }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 of}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  Starke, J. cited }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8149169 
earlier. Nor was any provision }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 of the Constitution essential}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851  or relevant to the question of }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 st}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 atutory interpretation arising."}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
\par It was further claimed that the Petitioner was wrong in submitting that Justice Gates misconstrued and/or wrongly interpr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 eted Section 116(3) (d) and (b)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16260027 (ii}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063\charrsid15678069 of the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  Electoral Act 1998 and that he made an error of law going to jurisdiction giving the Petitioner the right to appeal on his decision. On the contrary Counsel sub
mitted that Justice Gates was merely interpreting the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act which he was entitled to do in the exercise of his judicial function as the Court of Disputed Returns and in that connection Justice Gates merely interpre}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 ted within his jurisdiction in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 the proper ex}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 ercise of his judicial function.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  As the Court of Appeal pointed out}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851  "....if}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 he did }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 m}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 ake an error of law, he nevertheless did so whilst exercising his undoubted jurisdiction as}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
 the Court of Disputed }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063\charrsid13766851 Returns."}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063\charrsid15678069 It}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  was subm
itted in this connection that the Court of Disputed Returns is a special court and it made good sense that its decisions could not be appealed. The effect of a right or wrong decision of the Court of Disputed Returns must operate until the expiry of the t
erm in the House of any validity of elected me}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 ber and no more.}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid6947063 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
\par It was also submitted that Section 154 of the Electoral Act condemns any stay application to failure. Section 154 of the Electoral Act provides that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 a) "'if any person returned is declared n
ot to have been duly elected, the person ceases to be a member of}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851  the House of Representatives;"}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 
b) "if any person not returned is declared to have been duly elected, the person may take his or her place in the House accordingly. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The Electoral Act ther
efore does not allow for any discretion in respect of a stay application such as that now put forward by the Petitioner. The Petitioner is no longer a member of the House of Representatives and the first Respondent must take his place in Parliament. Secti
o
n 154 must be allowed to take its course, as a matter of law and the Court Order must be obeyed with immediate effect. The first Respondent who must now be allowed to sit in Parliament as he was on the order of Justice Gates validly elected as a member of
 the House of Represent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16260027 atives in terms of section 73(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 )(a) of the Constitution.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 CONCLUSIONS ON THE PETITIONER'S STAY APPLICATION
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  have set out at some length the opposing arguments put forward on behalf of both the Petitioner and the first Respondent on 
the stay application filed by the Petitioner relating to the Order made by the Court of Disputed Returns at Lautoka}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 on }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 8 February 2002}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The application was extremely hard fought on both sides as the comprehensiveness of the arguments shows. This is underst
andable because the stake concerning the political future of either protagonist in this case is high. The whole chain of events which gave rise to the present litigation ca}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 m}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 e about when the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
Court of Disputed Returns at Lautoka declared that the first Respo
ndent was validly elected as a member of the House of Representatives for the Nadi Open Constituency who thereupon purportedly displaced the Petitioner. The Petitioner was himself declared by the Returning Officer to be validly elected following the count
ing of votes at the close of the General Election in September 2001. Two matters of great public importance to the administration of civil justice are at the centre of these proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The first relates to the true interpretation of section 116 of the El
ectoral Act 1998 and other connected provisions thereof. This has been fully noted in the written arguments that were submitted and do not need repeating. The Court of Disputed Returns at Lautoka gave an interpretation which in effect accepted as valid th
e ticks below the line in Part }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7865876 II}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 ballot papers. This interpretation has generated much comment and controversy among the public and academic scholars. The reason is that the Court's interpretation does not appear to accord with the preferential system of v
oting as prescribed under section 54(l) of the Constitution. Indeed both the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid6947063 General Elections in 1999 and again in 2001}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  were conducted}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
on the basis of the preferential system of voting known as the alternative vote. It is not surprising if the Court's interpretation is viewed by some as judicial activism of an extreme form. In any event as a result much}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063  confusion and uncertainty now }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 surrounds the electoral system in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The other matter of great public importance to the administration of civil}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 justice relates to the decision of the Court of Appeal (Barker }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 JA and Davies }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 JA)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
which dismissed the Petitioner's appeal on the ground of want of jurisdiction. The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
Court of Appeal considered itself bound by what it perceived as the clear and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 unambiguous te
rms of section 73(7) of the Constitution. The section states:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 "A determination by the High Court in proceedings under paragraph (1)(a) is final"
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Counsel for the Petitioner has submitted however that a finality clause such as that exemplified by section 7
3(7) can no longer be accepted on its face value if it is shown that an error of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
aw going to jurisdiction upon which the case depends has occurred.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
Authorities for this proposition have been amply cited in the written and oral arguments.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 It is claimed tha
t jurisdictional error on the part of the Court of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
Disputed Returns at Lautoka arising from its alleged misconstruction of section 116}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
of the Electoral Act renders its Order appealable as of right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 It is claimed that the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Court of Appeal was wrong in not admitting the Petitioner's appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 In this}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
connection it was pointed out that uncertainty could arise if a simplistic approach is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
given to the finality clause in section 73 (7). Such uncertainty could well occur if}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 two judges of the High Court sitting separa
tely as a Court of Disputed Returns}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 return differing interpretations as is quite conceivable regarding ticks below the line}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 in Part I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  ballot papers. The situation is clearly unsatisfactory. In New Zealand we are told that their equivalent of a Court of Di
sputed Returns is comprised of 3 judges to hear election petitions. This is an important safeguard for the adjudication}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
of election petitions. In any discussion of finality clauses one must pay heed to the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
pithy statement of Lord Atkin in a case referred to in the arguments where he said: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx270\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 "Finality is good thing but justice is better."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
Having considered all the arguments put forward on both sides to this stay application it seems clear to me that the Petitioner has shown sufficient grounds why his application should be upheld. }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid6947063 Firstly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  there is significant prospect that the Petitioner ma}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  succeed in his application for special leave to appeal to the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Supreme Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 On the papers the Petitioner has }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063\charrsid15678069 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 il}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063\charrsid15678069 ed}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  there can be no doubt that far-reaching questions of law and ma
tters of great general and public importance are concerned in his special leave application. The Petitioner has also raised matters that are of substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice. }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 Secondly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069  allowing the stay application in t
his case would not cause irreparable loss or damage to the first Respondent. The first Respondent is not prejudiced in any way. In my view it seems logical and desirable that the issues concerning the first Respondent's purported membership in the House o
f
 Representatives together with that of the Petitioner should be resolved at the highest judicial level. On the other hand the Petitioner's appeal would be rendered nugatory with attendant undesirable fallouts on parliamentary business if Petitioner's stay
 application is refused and the appeal should succeed. }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 Thirdly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 it seems fairly clear that the balance of convenience requires that the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 status quo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 prior to the Order of the Lautoka High Court on 8 February 2002 be maintained until the Supreme Court is able to decide whether the Petitioner's special leave application may be granted or not.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 This holding is in my view reinforced by the fact that important arguable issues of public law are concerned in the Petitioner's special leave application.
\par 
\par For the reasons I have given I am satisfied that it will be in the best interest of the administration of civi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6947063 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 justice in this country if the Petitioner's sta}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 application is allowed. In the result I grant the Order sought by the Petitioner in the Summons}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 which he filed 
in this Court on }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid13766851 13 March 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
 The effect of this Decision is that the Petitioner will continue as a validly elected member of the House of Representatives until the Supreme Court can deal with his petition for special leave to appeal or until further order.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 The costs of this a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5590484 pplication will be in the cause.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13766851 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid13766851 President,
\par Supreme Court of Fiji
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15678069 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851\charrsid15678069 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 Suva
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13766851 25 April 2002}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15678069\charrsid15678069 
\par }}