December 2, 2019 4:00pm by David Farrar

Electoral petition in Christchurch

A petition claiming Christchurch councillor Deon Swiggs’ bid for re-election was “sabotaged” relies largely on hearsay, an inquiry was told.
Legal action being taken by Swiggs’ supporters was being heard in Christchurch’s District Court on Monday as they fought to prove the electoral process during October’s local body elections had been compromised. …
The District Court heard on Monday that claims were being made by Swiggs’ supporters against five parties – McLellan, Christchurch City Council, the authority’s electoral officer Jo Daly, the Canterbury Youth Workers’ Collective and the Christchurch Youth Council. …
Two other claims – that allegations were released to the media by a youth group at a critical point in the election to sabotage his campaign, and that McLellan’s campaign team and supporters had orchestrated a “campaign of allegations and innuendo” against Swiggs – will still be heard.

This could be a fascinating case if it goes to a full hearing.