by Nick Delgado

Guam - A civil lawsuit that seeks to have the government concede that the law wasn't followed during the 2010 election could go to trial in March of next year. Attorneys for Carlo Branch and the Guam Election Commission appeared in the Superior Court this morning.

Attorney and senatorial candidate Gary Gumataotao, who represents Branch, has asked the court to determine that the GEC failed to follow the law when it failed to properly provide public notices for a number of commission meetings that were held prior to and after the 2010 General Election. Branch also alleges the commission made no arrangements for individuals with disabilities.

Two motions to dismiss have been filed in the case and the court is set to hear those motions on November 16. While the parties don't feel the case will need to go to trial, the court set a March 15 trial date in the event it is necessary.

Gumataotao makes it clear his client is not seeking money or voiding the 2010 election results, but merely seeking an admission that the law had been violated.