THE Electoral Commission delayed the counting of ballots for the Western Highlands regional seat last year for five days without proper reasons, the National Court in Mt Hagen was told yesterday.
Alfred Manase, counsel for former governor Paias Wingti, said the delay was unwarranted and gave the opportunity for foul play.
He said it was their belief that some scrutineers, some candidates and some security personnel committed illegal practices during the counting process at Kimininga Barracks.
Mr Wingti is challenging the election of Tom Olga, who subsequently became governor of the province and has been named third respondent.
He claims that the commission had failed to perform its duties properly and wants the election to be declared null and void.
Mr Manase also argued that officials and agents of the first defendant (the Electoral Commission) and second defendant (provincial returning officer Kali Rawali) also made errors which could have allowed the ballot papers to be tampered with.
The hearing before Supreme Court judge Justice David Cannings, which has attracted hundreds of Mr Wingti’s supporters, will continue today.
The lawns around the court house have been turned into a muddy patch by the big crowd.
Police continued to maintain tight security around the courthouse and the road leading to it.