Counting starting today

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
COUNTING for the Moresby Northwest by-election begins today after 15 candidates had petitioned the Electoral Commission citing various issues arising from the one-day polling and the counting locations. Acting Electoral Commission Simon Sinai told The National that the petitions had been dealt with and counting would start today at three locations. “The Electoral Commission senior management team met and discussed the petitions.  “We found no written or credible evidence supporting their points. “We are preparing a response advising them that we noted their concerns, however the timing does not allow a review of our plans.” Sinai said the timing of the petition, cost associated with the payments already been made for the ward counting venues, and the Covid-19 control measures were factors not allowing them to make the review. “The candidates signed a standard operation procedure for this election. We will, therefore, proceed with the current plan to base the counting of primary votes at the ward level and elimination to be done by the Returning Officer at the Sir John Guise Stadium.” Sinai said the incident with stakeholder suspicion over administration issues ending at the Hohola Police Station had been rectified.  “This is where stakeholders’ participation is widely expected as we progress into the final stages of the preparations. “I want to also caution all candidates, supporters and voters to refrain from the wilful distribution of misinformation or disinformation aimed at disrupting the electoral process,” Sinai said. He said the misuse and even abuse of social media platforms could lead to unnecessary disruptions and even violence during elections.