Supporters refuse to let ballot boxes go

By JAMES GUMUNO
THE second attempt made by Electoral Commission and police to transport Chimbu regional ballot boxes to Lae from Kundiawa for recount has been stopped by political supporters.
Eastern End police divisional commander Nema Mondia told The National yesterday that some people, believed to be supporters of incumbent Governor Michael Dua, last week stopped officials and police from transporting ballot boxes out.
He said the people maintained their stand that they did not want the recount to be conducted in Lae, but in Kundiawa or nearby provinces.
Mondia said Electoral Commission officers made an unsuccessful attempt to take the boxes with policemen from Lae and Goroka.
“I want to appeal to the people to respect the decision of the court and allow Electoral Commission to remove the ballot boxes down to Lae,” Mondia said.
He said the after the court handed down its decision late last year, which it ordered recount of Kundiawa, Electoral Commissioner Patalias Gamato made his decision and that must be respected.
“I hope the people camping outside the police station understand and allow their common sense to prevail.”
Mondia said the situation in Kundiawa was very tense and local police were closely monitoring the situation. He appealed to the people not to cause trouble.
The National Court has ordered that the result of recount must be submitted before Feb 7.