Court orders Sohe Open seat recount

The National National

THE National Court has ordered the recount of ballot papers in the Sohe Open seat won by Henry Amuli in last year’s general election.
Judge Justice Iova Geita made the ruling in Popondetta on Friday 23.
Amuli won the seat from Delilah Gore, the former minister for community development, youth and religion. Justice Geita ordered that:

  • The recount be carried out in Popondetta as the ballot papers are still kept at the Popondetta police station;
  • The recount to begin on Monday, May 21, at 8.30am under the direction of Electoral Commissioner Patilius Gamato or his officer who shall be present to oversee the recount;
  • The recount shall be supervised the Registrar of the National Court Ian Augerea;
  • All election officials who took part in the scrutiny of the Sohe Open seat election in 2017 are precluded from the precincts of the recount centre unless called to verify signatures and other electoral documents;
  • For the avoidance of doubt, the precluded officers include the former returning officer, former assistant returning officers and all counting officials who took part;
  • The result of the recount shall not be announced to the public until it is confirmed by the Elecotral Commissioner or his nominee, and Augerea. It shall be communicated to the court immediately after the completion of the recount; and
  • All parties, their counsels and Electoral Commission officials charged with conducting the recount and the Registrar must be present in the National Court in Popondetta.