Writs worry

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By MALUM NALU
THE return of writs may be done in stages starting from Monday, given the slow progress in counting in some parts of the country, says Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato.
Although he is “pushing” the Returning officers and election managers to have everything wrapped up before Monday, the scheduled day of the return of writs, he fears there may be some delays.
As at 6pm yesterday, 90 seats were yet to be declared.
The delay in counting is caused mainly by disruptions either by counting officials protesting the late payment of allowances, or candidates not happy with how some things are being handled by election officials.
He plans to hand over some writs to Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae on Monday, and ask for an extension of time to return the others.
“That’s what I’m thinking,” Gamato said.
“It depends on how many writs come in. We can return some on July 24, while those that are coming later, we can ask for an extension of another five days.”
He said he would assess the situation tomorrow (Friday).
“If need be for me to extend time, I will advise the Head of State (Sir Bob),” he said.
No winners were declared yesterday with counting at various stages around the country.
He has been advising his officials to “push” the progress of counting.
“The important thing is they (election workers) have to push the counting,” Gamato told The National.
“We’re coming to the end of count. Date for return of writs is set so we have to push quickly. That has been my instruction to all returning officers and election managers.”
He said this week that according to the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Election, he was allowed three weeks (21 days) for counting. It means he still has time up to July 31 to return the writs.
“We still can go back to the head of state and advise him to allow for the 21 days,” he said.
Meanwhile, PNG National Party leader and Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua is expected to declared winner today.
After the final count on Tuesday, he was leading with 12,985 votes, way ahead of Millie Rex on 4015 and Karl Aina 3947.
A confident Kua told The National before leaving for Chimbu yesterday that he was confident that more PNG National Party candidates would win their seats.
Nuku Open in West Sepik is also likely to be declared today. Last night, National Alliance party candidate and incumbent Joe Sungi was leading with 11,112 votes followed by Andrew Kumbakor (People’s National Congress) on 7851.
In Telefomin, PNC incumbent Solan Mirisn had a commanding lead of 9027 votes over Peter Iwei 5343 and Oswald Tumku 3626.
Also last night, NA candidate Allan Bird had taken an overwhelming lead of 60,145 votes for the East Sepik regional seat.
NA’s incumbent Peter Isoaimo was also leading last night in Kairuku-Hiri followed by Paru Aihi (PNC) on 8281 and Steven Manai (Pangu) 6907.
Deputy Prime Minister and PNC candidate Leo Dion was leading last night in East New Britain Regional with 15,143 votes followed by Nakikus Konga (People’s Progress Party) 13,717 and Sinai Brown (Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party) 12,620.