Court allows more time for Chimbu recount

By Gideon Kindiwa
The Waigani National Court has granted an application by the Electoral Commission to extend time for the recount of the Chimbu regional seat.
Justice Colin Makail said he was satisfied with the grounds the commission submitted and ordered an extension of time and results to be presented by April 4.
Two attempts by the Electoral Commission to move the container containing ballot boxes from Kundiawa to Goroka for the recount had failed because of protest by a group. The original deadline ordered by the court was Feb 7.
The commission was prepared to start counting in Goroka, but could not retrieve the container as Chimbu Governor Michael Dua’s supporters had blocked the way and kept a watch on it.
Makail extended the time and also re-ordered the recount to be held at Goroka.
However, he said there was some uncertainty in the information presented by all parties involved and they had to communicate well with each other to sort out issues.
During the same hearing, Makail refused a notice of motion filed by Dua to have the papers checked and counted before starting the recount process.