AN assistant returning officer told the Mt Hagen National Court yesterday that polling in Dei in last year’s general election began on July 6.
Ben Mark said that in areas that were less accessible by road, polling began the next day, which was a Saturday.
He said he cast his ballot at Mala 2 on Friday afternoon.
He said that when polling was completed, the ballot boxes were transported to Mt Hagen and kept in locked containers placed in front of the police station.
Mr Mark was testifying in the hearing of a petition filed by former Western Highlands governor Paias Winti, who is claiming that there were irregularities and improper practices in the process, which influenced the result.
The Electoral Commission was named as first defendant, provincial returning officer Kali Rawali second defendant and Mr Olga third defendant.
Mr Mark said that on July 20, the Mala 1 and Mala 2 ballot boxes, two ballot boxes for Regional seat and two for Open seat were taken to the Kiminiga police barracks for counting.
The presidenting officer for Mala 2 also testified before the court.
Mr Wingti’s counsel said he would be calling 10 witnesses.
The hearing before Justice David Cannings continues.