Southern H’lands officials laud conduct of elections

By PETER WARI
RETURNING officers in Southern Highlands are happy that counting is progressing well.
They told The National that unlike previous elections, they have not encountered any problems since campaigning started, right up to polling and counting.
Nipa-Kutubu returning officer John Walbo said counting was progressing well and his officials were doing a tremendous job.
“We get help from lawyers from the Office of the Solicitor-General to address issues that arise,” Walbo said.
Mendi-Munihu returning officer Simon Yangen said counting was on track for his team as well.
The only delays have been caused by presiding officers not being present at the tally room to confirm their ballot boxes.
Senior State lawyer Kaiyoma Akeya said by law, presiding officers for the different polling booths must be present at the counting centre to confirm the boxes before counting could proceed.
“If they are dead, sick or under threat, then the returning officers can make the call,” he said.