Trawen visits Madang

ELECTORAL Commissioner Andrew Trawen has visited Madang province to boost the morale of election officials seven weeks after the issue of writs.Trawen visited the Sumkar electorate counting venue at Talidig Primary School on the North Coast Road to meet officials and security personnel.His first task however was to resolve some differences between the officials and scrutineers before counting began.“I am here to encourage the counting officials to perform their duties within the confines of the law rather than resort to foul play,” said Trawen.“Scrutineers are also urged not to disrupt the counting process. If any complaints arise, awe have the steering committee in place to hear the grievances.”Trawen will return the writs to Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio on July 27.Police officers also wanted to be paid allowances. Sumkar security coordinator chief sergeant Wily Mio said police officers had been working during the 14 days of polling.“Though some have never received their full allowance of K200 per day, they have worked tirelessly until polling ended. “Therefore we will not start the Sumkar counting until the issue is settled,” Mio said. Trawen called the police officer in charge of election operations, Awan Sete, from Talidig and, after talking to him, Trawen told the officers to check with elections security coordinator Snr Insp Jacob Bando for their allowances.