Enga counts last box

By YVONNE HAIP
THE last ballot box for the Wabag electorate in Enga under dispute since last Thursday has finally been counted.
The box, belonging to the Pai polling area in the remote Maramuni district, was disputed after scrutineers and presiding officers complained it was tampered with.
They said people in the area did not vote and instead the presiding officer and polling officials had colluded to sign the ballot papers themselves in favour of one candidate.
There were also claims that polling officials and security officers stationed at the Pai polling area were threatened so a few representatives could sign on behalf of the people.
After much talk the electoral commissioner, through a letter, approved the box for counting and security forces in the province agreed.
Although some candidates called for the box to remain under dispute, it was counted yesterday.