Dede Sophie

A full trial on the election petition challenging the win of the Member for Maprik, Gabriel Kapris, will start at the Wewak Court House in East Sepik Province today. This is after an application filed by Mr. Kapris to dismiss the petition, through an objection to competency, was dismissed by the courts in Wewak last Friday. The petitioner, John Simon, and respondents Mr. Kapris and the PNG Electoral Commission have indicated to bring in 40 witnesses, who will testify on allegations raised in the petition. Mr. Simon is challenging the election of Mr. Kapris in the 2022 National Election on grounds of bribery, illegal practices, undue influence, a candidate not having her name on the Electoral Roll, and the appointment of the Returning Officer.  Meanwhile, Mr. Simon appealed for peace and calm to prevail in the district. He urged his his supporters, and that of Mr. Kapris, to respect the rule of law, and allow the Court process to take its course.  Mr. Simon said he has received reports ...

A new Chinese electric car brand has now arrived in Ireland to join the growing number of EVs from that country targeting European markets, writes Brian Byrne. The BYD Atto 3 is being distributed here by Motor Distributors Limited, and is the first of three models to be introduced from the brand over the coming months. The Atto 3 is priced from €37,128 and is pitched at the compact family crossover segment. It is on sale in three dealerships in Dublin and Cork, with more locations to follow. BYD began as a rechargeable battery manufacturer, and bought a car company from the Chinese government two decades ago to progress an ambition to become an EV carmaker. Last year they knocked Tesla off their perch to become the biggest passenger electric car maker in the world. The company have their own proprietary battery technology, and also make their own motors and key electronic components.  BYD is also one of the biggest makers of electric buses, with substantial fleet business on several co...