Same handwriting on two of three boxes, court told

 TWO of the three disputed ballot boxes in the Lae mayoral seat had the same handwriting and ink marks on them, a court in Lae was told last Friday.

John Luai was giving evidence in the case before Jeremiah Singomat in which Khay is challenging the win of his successor Koim Trilu during the mayoral election late last year. 

Luai, 33, from Laiagam, Enga, was called as a witness by Khay who is alleging foul play during the mayoral election at three polling stations in the Lae Urban local level government in Ward Six.

Luai, a scrutineer for Joseph Mand, said before he went into the counting room, he was told by Mand that boxes 46, 47 and 48 had been hijacked and he must keep a close eye on them. 

Luai told the court that before the three disputed boxes were counted, he raised the issue with the Assistant Returning Officer who advised him to note down his concern and take it to court later.

Trilu’s lawyer Kenneth Aisi told Luai to admit in court that his testimony was a lie.

But Luai said: “I saw it with my eyes in broad daylight. I have no relationship with James Khay but I know him as a candidate. I have volunteered to testify because I saw that some things were not right.”

Singomat adjourned the matter to tomorrow.