Motu-Koita count starts to meet writ deadlines

COUNTING for the Motu-Koitabu Assembly elections in the National Capital District began yesterday with the declarations for some ward council seats expected today.
One of the two sealed containers containing the ballot papers for Motu-Koitabu East was opened by counting officials from the Electoral Commission witnessed by Returning Officer Terence Hetinu, his assistant Michael Are, scrutineers of candidates and police.
Counting at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium started after a briefing and discussions between the scrutineers and officials.
The event was also witnessed by Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato.
Are said they had until Friday next week to return the writs to the governor-general. Hetinu appealed to the scrutineers to raise any objection and query in an orderly and appropriate manner to the counting supervisors, him or Are.
“The electoral process must continue smoothly to the declarations where leaders to represent the people of Motu-Koitabu be elected. That’s very important,” Hetinu said.
“We must stick to the schedule and ensure we complete the constitutional electoral process by Thursday next week where mandated leaders for the Motu-Koita people are elected to represent them.”
Hetinu thanked the people of Motu-Koita for the smooth campaign period and polling.
He urged them to do the same during the counting process and declarations.