“POGO” Mayor Guo Huaping's lawyer, Stephen David, stated that they will no longer file a counterclaim in response to the complaint, but declined to comment on the specific considerations and reasons.
Guo Huaping was initially required to submit the counterclaim by August 27, 2024, but due to an appeal by her legal team, the deadline was extended to September 1. Due to severe weather, government office work was temporarily suspended, and today the Election Commission extended the deadline for Guo to submit the counterclaim, stating she must submit it by Tuesday, September 3.
If indeed as the lawyer stated, Guo ultimately does not submit the counterclaim, then the Election Commission's legal department can proceed with the case without the participation of the defendant.
