Dua slams EC decision

CHIMBU Governor Michael Dua says Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato and the PNG Electoral Commission should be ashamed for making isolated and incompetent decisions concerning the judicial recount for the provincial seat.
Dua has called on police commissioner Gari Baki to investigate two attempts by the commission, with support from certain security personnel who came in unmarked cars, to transport the ballot papers out of Chimbu to Lae for the recount.
“While the Electoral Commissioner has reviewed his earlier decision to have the recount done in Goroka, he should be ashamed for making a very isolated and bad decision at the first place which resulted in a law and order issue in Chimbu,” Dua said.
“The due process is for the PNGEC to consult all parties concerned, the police for security arrangements, the provincial government for assistance and the candidates.
“The police commissioner should be informed by the PNGEC so he can advise his regional commanders in Highlands and Mamose who can then advise Chimbu provincial police commander for security arrangements.
“Similarly, the provincial government should be informed about the decision but that was never done,” Dua said.
Dua said police on their own security assessment were aware that there was no security threats in Kundiawa for the recount.
Dua supported the call made by Baki for police lawyers and lawyers from the commission to work together and go to court to review its earlier decision.
While Gamato called for the change of venue in Goroka, Baki maintained his stance for the recount to be done in Chimbu for security reasons.
Baki said he would advise his lawyers to file for a review to have the recount done in Chimbu.