Decision to shift counting venue queried

 SOME of candidates contesting the Kutubu local level government president’s seat are questioning a decision to shift the counting to Mendi in Southern Highlands.

They prefer that the counting take place at the district office in Pimaga.

Kutubu presidential candidate John Kila said they were happy with Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen’s decision to have counting done in each district.

He said they were surprised by the commission’s last-minute decision to shift the counting venue to Mendi.

“If security is the issue, we have three police mobile units providing security at the resource project sites in Kutubu and Moro and the PNG LNG project area,” he said. 

“Their presence will ensure security is guaranteed in Pimaga which is where the district office is located.

“The people of Kutubu are peace-loving and we want  counting to be held close to where our people, the voters, are.”

He said travelling to Mendi would involve extra expenses for fares and accommodation.

He said all 26 candidates contesting the seat for Kutubu LLG president were landowners of the Foe Faso group, owners of the oil and gas in the province.