Election officials refuse to provide voting figures

By CALRON LAEPA in Kerema
POLICE moved in to quell a potentially explosive situation at the Kerema sporting oval yesterday as election officials continued to deny the public progressive voting figures.
Counting was proceeding under immense suspense with the only figures available being two days old.
New figures have been released since Tuesday at the counting venue.
The only means of updates was through the Electoral Commission website.
The frustrated public threatened to get answers from electoral officials when police intervened yesterday as tension began to build.
Hell broke loose when the public were asked to give their opinion whether they wanted the elimination figures given and declaration made.
Jim Taparu, a Kerema open candidate, went  public to express his frustration, saying they did not know what was happening. He said online reports suggested Country Party candidate Richard Mandani was leading while the posting indicated otherwise.
Taparu claimed a failed election in the Gulf.
The provincial election steering committee met to try to resolve the matter yesterday.
Acting chairman Emanuel Xavier said data from the counting area was sent directly to the Port Moresby headquarters as instructed by the electoral commission.
It is understood the declaration for Kikori open seat was to be done yesterday but that was postponed to today.
Meanwhile, the media was still barred from entering the counting area despite passes to do so.