Candidates want recount

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Tuesday 17th July, 2012

By JAMES APA GUMUNO
CANDIDATES for the Enga provincial seat have petitioned the election manager to recount the ballot papers.
The candidates alleged that some of their ballot papers were put into another candidate’s tray by counting officials.
They claimed it took place in the counting centre and now want all the ballot papers to be recounted and properly checked.
The road to Wabag Primary School and Wabag main market was blocked off for 30 minutes to allow candidates to present their petition on Sunday.
The election manager was not present to receive their petition but provincial returning officer Cleapus Roa stood in and received the petition.
Roa assured the candidates that a proper check would be made.
Provincial police commander Supt Martin Lakari said the candidates staged a peaceful protest march and presented their petition in front of the security personnel.
He said the candidates went away after Roa assured them of a recount.
Meanwhile, counting of first preference votes from Wapenamanda, Wabag and Kompiam-Ambum were completed on Sunday and preparation were made for the elimination process.
The first preference votes from Laiagam-Porgera are still being counted.