Briefs

Manning cautions people
POLICE Commissioner David Manning has urged people to be cautious when reading news posted on social media. Manning said this after a number of rumours began appearing about the role of security forces during the return of writs and the sitting of the 11th Parliament. He said: “Talks of insurrection in the ranks and divisions between disciplined forces is ridiculous.”

PNGDF dismisses fake info
PNG Defence Force commander Major General Mark Goina has said the circulation of fake information in relation to an alleged planned PNGDF takeover was creating unnecessary fear among the public. He reassured the people, “Our recent presence on the streets of Port Moresby was in direct response to a request for support from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).”

PPL gives priority to counting
PNG Power Limited will ensure that counting venues during the General Election 2022 (GE22) do not experience power disruptions, acting managing director Obed Batia says. “Our teams have been on standby to attend to any power issues that affect counting areas and if there are any outages, the counting venues in all provinces are given priority for power restoration.

Candidates want re-count
Seven candidates who contested the Wewak Open seat have petitioned the Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai for a re-count for the seat. They requested Sinai to conduct two recounts which were within his legal powers to entertain. The candidates are Jim Simatab, Chris Bais, Raphael Saulep, Stanley Muts Samban, Charles Malenki, Jerry Junembari and Johnson Parox Jimberi.

Ballots accidentally burnt
Five ballot paper butts meant to be collected as returns were accidentally burnt with an unused ballot book for a polling team in Madang’s Usino local level government, an official says. According to Usino-Bundi Returning Officer Terence Baiyo, this was from the polling site that covered Kesowai and Dumpu villages along the Madang to Lae Highway.

Central declaration tomorrow
THE Central Regional seat has gone into eliminations and is most likely to do a declaration by tomorrow, an official says. Election Manager Peter Malaifeope said they have moved into eliminations because the leading candidate has not reached the mark of the absolute majority. He said the process was delayed yesterday due to the issue of 36 ballot papers that were missing from the first elimination of regional candidate Gabriel Lala.

Find missing ballots: Rufina
People’s National Congress candidate Rufina Peter, who is running second in the Central Regional seat, is urging counting officials to locate 36 missing ballot papers or the elimination process would be compromised. Incumbent Governor Robert Agarobe is leading the race.

Declaration expected today
Counting in Moresby North East is nearing completion and expected to go into exclusion and elimination soon, returning officer Billy George says. George said a declaration was expected to be made today.