Newfoundland and Labrador election challenge lawsuit unresolved

A lawsuit related to the 2021 provincial election in Newfoundland and Labrador is slowly progressing but has not yet moved to trial. The case began when Whymarrh Whitby claimed he was denied his right to vote during the election due to problems, including issues with special ballots. On Thursday morning, lawyers for Elections N.L. and John Abbott argued that the application for the election challenge is too old to go to trial, especially with a new general election approaching. Whitby’s suit is supported by former NDP leader Allison Coffin, who lost her seat in the election. Both Whitby and Coffin were present in the Supreme Court in St. John's for the hearing. Their lawyer, Will Hiscock, insists they are ready for trial and has identified over 60 people who faced voting challenges in the St. John's East-Quidi Vidi riding. This could strengthen their case for annulment of the 2021 election. Defense lawyer John Samms argued that the plaintiffs have not expedited the process of the lawsuit and therefore should not be ready for trial yet. He hopes the matter will be resolved before April 14, viewing a trial as costly and unnecessary. The lawsuit seeks more than just replacing a current member of the House of Assembly; it aims to void the entire 2021 election due to alleged irregularities. The presiding judge acknowledged the urgency of the case but noted that it is not too late to move forward.