Police, EC respond to end poll rumour

POLICE and the Electoral Commission officials in Goroka have responded to end speculation among Goroka by-election candidates of an early declaration of a winner.
Police commander overseeing the Goroka Open by-election Chief Insp Michael Welly, Highlands election manager Thomas Teine and by-election returning officer Ekiso Kosanama said there would not be an early declaration.
Chief Insp Welly said when other election managers from the Highlands were invited to Goroka to observe how new initiatives, including separate polling booths for women, use of security cameras and other initiatives, there were rumours that this was an attempt at a pre-mature declaration.
He said police were closely monitoring the counting.
Chief Insp Welly said there were issues that had arisen but they had been addressed promptly.
“It was alleged that extra ballot papers had been printed, however, as we went to check after getting search warrants, it turned out that the location was empty,” he said. “We had issues with polling sites where nobody wanted cameras to be mounted.
“That was sorted out as well.
“We were tasked to ensure everyone who voted were safe.
“Women voters had separate booths.
“After every count, the boxes are stored away in a container and reopened every day.
“Quality checks were suspended on Saturday but resumed on Sunday.”