Recount cannot be done in Kundiawa, says Gamato

ELECTORAL Commissioner Patilias Gamato says judicial recount for Chimbu Regional seat cannot be done in Kundiawa or anywhere within Chimbu, as it will be in breach of an existing court order.
He said recount would have to be done outside of Chimbu.
Commission officers, led by deputy-commissioner Simon Sinai, are already on the ground in Goroka to prepare for the recount.
“The people of Chimbu have insisted that we have the recount in Chimbu, but that is against the court decision,” Gamato said.
“The decision was made by the court based on the submission made by the petitioner.
“It would be a contempt of court to have the recount done in Kundiawa.”
Gamato urged the people to respect court’s decision and allow due process to take place.
A third attempt to transport ballot papers to Goroka for the recount yesterday was unsuccessful.
Chimbu Governor Michael Dua has appealed to the people of Chimbu to respect court process and allow for the ballot papers to be transported to Goroka for recount.
“I am appealing to our people to respect the PNG Electoral Commission and provide the necessary support that is needed to ensure the recount is done transparently,” he said.