Kandep recount hailed

National

By GYNNIE KERO
POLICE in Enga have thanked the people and the Government team for working together to see the completion of the recounting of votes for the Kandep seat.
Enga police commander acting Superintendent George Kakas said the smooth flow of the recounting indicated that locals supported their constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully and safely through elections. MP Don Polye was ahead on 22,860 votes at the end, well ahead of his closest rival Alfred Luke Manase on 15,365.
The Supreme Court, however, will officially declare the winner after the Returning Officer submits the completed results.
“I congratulate everyone present at 10pm that night when the final scores were tabled and declared for ensuring a very successful and peaceful recount,” he said.
“I thank the scrutineers of the candidates for ensuring a smooth flow of the recounting process through the seven days.”
He said although Polye and his team had initially disturbed and delayed the counting because of their demand for a fair, just and transparent recount which was their duty and constitutional right, it was done peacefully and within the law.
“Although, there was initial suspicion that the Electoral Commission, the Enga provincial steering committee, the police and the counting officials were compromised with a number of petitions and protest marches staged demanding neutrality.
“I can without doubt say that the people of Kandep and Enga had just witnessed one of the best, fairest and most transparent recount processes.”