Three election petitions came before the Supreme Court Monday and two were put off while the third was withdrawn.

The petition, which Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate Sally Porteous had brought against Member of Parliament Peter Bunting, alleging irregularities on election day, has been withdrawn.

The election petition brought by St. Ann businessman Manley Bowen against JLP Member of Parliament Shahine Robinson alleging that she has dual citizenship was adjourned indefinitely.

Attorney-at-law Bert Samuels, one of the lawyers representing Bowen, applied for an adjournment when the matter came before Chief Justice Zaila McCalla.

Mr. Samuels said that, since service by registered mail was being challenged by Ms. Robinson, it would be prudent and would save judicial time to put off the matter to await the outcome of a case involving similar legal points that were now before the Court of Appeal.

Dual citizenship issue

He was referring to the case which People's National Party candidate Phyllis Mitchell has brought against Gregory Mair, alleging dual citizenship.

Senior Puisne Judge Marva McIntosh had ruled last month that JLP Hanover Eastern candidate Barrington Gray was not served in accordance with the law and Mitchell is appealing the matter.

Attorneys-at-law Ernest Smith and Nesta Claire Smith, who represent Robinson, said they came prepared Monday to make an application to have the petition struck out because Robinson was not served.

The election petition which Gray has filed against PNP MP Dr. D.K. Duncan came before Justice Lloyd Hibbert in chambers Monday but was put off until December 18.

Dr. Duncan is claiming that he was not served with the election petition and his lawyer Abe Dabdoub will be applying to have it struck out.

Gray, who is being represented by attorney-at-law Harold Brady, is contending that the petition was served by a policeman and he will be filing an affidavit in relation to service.