Missing papers denied
The National, Wednesday July 10th, 2013
By JAMES GUMUNO
WESTERN Highlands’ election manager Philip Telape yesterday denied 4,500 ballot papers for the Hagen mayor’s seat had gone missing.
Telape said there was a shortage of ballot papers from Port Moresby.
He said ballot papers would be distributed according to last year’s common roll.
Candidates contesting the mayor’s seat Albert Kia and Elizah Samson, said about 4,500 ballot papers for the seat went missing last week.
“The ballot papers held back in Electoral Commission’s office were released yesterday and we have already received them.
“There is no need for the candidates to worry,” Telape said.
He said the serial numbers of ballot papers given to each ward would be recorded with the number of ballot papers.
“After polling, we will expect the same number of ballot papers with the same serial numbers coming back, nothing more or nothing less,” he said.
He said the province was ready to go to the polls on Monday and polling officials would attend training tomorrow.
Telape denied speculations by candidates that he had included extra candidates for the mayor’s seat after nominations had closed.