The panel hearing the election petition has directed lawyers for the petitioner, 1st and 2nd respondents to file their written addresses by February 17, 2021.
This was after the court had overruled an objection by Tsatsu Tsikata, lead counsel for the petitioner on the decision by the EC Chair not to mount the witness box.
The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court hearing the election petition has ruled that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa cannot be compelled to testify.
Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah who read the ruling said the judges were not convinced by the contrary arguments made by Tsatsu Tsikata, lead counsel for the petitioner.
He said the evidence put forth by the petitioner, John Dramani Mahama does not meet the burden of proof thereby making it unnecessary to put a witness for a counter case.
According to him, no provision in the constitution or statute has been pointed out to show the EC chairperson is subject to different rules contrary to settled rules of procedure and settled practice.
After the ruling, the lead counsel for petitioner disclosed to the court that they were in the process of filing for a review of the ruling and a subpoen of the EC Chair.
They would also apply to reopen their case after closing the same on Monday.
But the court asked them to file their closing addresses simultaneously on or before February 17, 2021.
The case was adjourned to February 18, 2021, for counsel to highlight portions for addresses to make way for judgement.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
