Polls might be halted
The National, Friday August 2nd, 2013
By SHIRLYN BELDEN
THE Electoral Commission is expected to announce its decision today on whether to cancel local level government elections in three Highlands provinces.
Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen said last week the commission was contemplating nullifying the election in Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Southern Highlands because of corruption and undemocratic activities during the elections.
He said they were monitoring the situation in the Highlands and would make a decision today.
The commission said corrupt practices and unlawful behaviour of supporters and candidates such as hijacking of ballot boxes and burning of polling booths, were rife.
The Electoral Commission has the powers to nullify elections under the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections.