Gamato commends election officials

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ELECTORAL Commissioner Patilias Gamato has thanked the election managers and returning officers who have returned their writs so far, saying many of them have been working in difficult circumstances.
By 6pm yesterday, 56 seats in the 111-member Parliament had been declared.
Gamato is expecting all the returns by Friday.
He received writs from electorates in Morobe, New Ireland and Manus yesterday.
“I thank the chairmen of the election steering committees in the three provinces and the officials who took part in the election,” he said.
“Besides the steering committees, provincial returning officers and election managers, hundreds of people were involved in the electoral process during polling and counting. I want to thank you all for doing a good job.”
New Ireland returning officer Iven Lakatani, Manus’ Sponsa Navi and Morobe assistant election manager Fredah Joses yesterday returned their writs.
“I know some places are difficult.
“For example, in Morobe, you have places like Menyamya which is difficult (to access), as are some parts of Bulolo and Finschhafen.
“In Manus and New Ireland, there are atolls out there.
“But you have done a good job.
“The returning of the writs today is an indication of an election that was successfully done and completed.
“It’s up to me now to put together all the writs and take it down to the head of state to return it on the day that he has approved for me to return the writs.”