Prolonged process annoys Polye

FORMER Kandep MP Don Polye is frustrated and anxious about the prolonged litigation process of an election petition he had filed against MP-elect Alfred Manase.
On Friday, the Supreme Court granted an application by the Electoral Commission that extended the time for the court-ordered recount of the Kandep open seat for a month and a half.
Polye, through his lawyer Malewa Kipa, opposed the application by the commission on the grounds that he would suffer prejudice.
Kipa submitted that an extension of not more than two weeks was appropriate as it would only incur more cost to his client (Polye) who has already prepared for the recount.
The commission’s lawyer, Steven Ranewa, submitted that recounts normally took two months but in this case, the counting process would take time because it would involve removing all ballot papers which were counted from disputed boxes of five wards, arrangement of funds, security and transport.
Justice Nicholas Kirriwom, considering the submissions, stated that two weeks was too short and more time was needed.
Polye, in his affidavits, stated that when court ordered the recount on Dec 21 to be completed in a month, he had taken all necessary steps to comply with the orders.
His lawyer informed the court that Polye had incurred cost in sending his scrutineers from Port Moresby to Kandep and providing accommodation and the extension would add more cost.