Delays anger candidate

 By ZACHERY PER

VOTING delays in Daulo district, Eastern Highlands, have angered a candidate.

Jack Boi Orona, who is contesting the Watabung local level government presidential seat, raised concerns that the longer polling was delayed, the greater the unnecessary pressure on candidates who wanted a speedy polling and counting process.

“As a candidate, I am concerned by delays in polling because it is only the prerogative of the Electoral Commission to delay polling and counting. Electoral officials in the district do not have any jurisdiction to delay polling,” he said.

Orona said the delays forced candidates to spend more resources looking after voters frequenting their campaign houses.

 “Every election have their own schedules and candidates have plans and budgets to spend within the limited period, they should not be forced to go out of the scheduled time frame,” Orona said.

Polling for LLG elections in Eastern Highlands has been delayed due to electoral officials protesting over their outstanding dues from last year’s general election.

Disgruntled counting and polling officials from last year says those dues should be paid before they performed similar roles in this election.