EHP delays count

By LLANE MUNAU
FRUSTRATION set in as the public, scrutineers and candidates in Eastern Highlands wasted yesterday waiting for instructions to begin counting ballot papers.
Provincial election co-ordinator Michael Mogia said the delay was caused by polling officials in the Unggai-Bena and other electorates wanting  their outstanding allowances paid before  handing back polling papers and signing  declaration forms.The EHP Electoral Office was busy trying to sort out the demands of the polling teams.It was eventually announced late last night that counting would begin this morning.
“We have very limited time and a lot of work has to be done,” Mogia said.
“When counting begins, the counting officials have to finish at least 20 ballot boxes in five to six hours.
“We have no choice but to complete the boxes before the given date for the return of writs on July 27.”
Community leader James Mobie, from the Daulo electorate, said he had come to the National Sports Institute (NSI) at 7am and waited 10 hours to hear from the provincial election manager Alywn Jimmy about the counting.“We now have nine days remaining before the return of writs and Eastern Highlands province has not even started counting,” he said.
Provincial returning officer Ikiso Kosanama last night said counting would start at 7.30am today.