Wong unaware about diversion of boxes

By PETER WARI
SOUTHERN Highlands deputy election manager Grace Wong has denied claims that she was involved in the diversion of ballot boxes meant for the Bosavi local level government in the Nipa-Kutubu district.
The matter is now being investigated by eight police officers sent from Port Moresby.
Wong told The National that she was on a helicopter to place boxes for the Kantipa and Yalenda wards in the Kutubu LLG for polling.
She said presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and security personnel were there with her.
“The assistant commissioner of police (western end) and the provincial police commander were aware of my travel,” Wong said. “I have nothing to do with the diversion of seven boxes for the regional seat and seven for the Nipa-Kutubu open to Nipa as alleged,” she said.
Investigations have started on who had authorised the diversion of 14 ballot boxes meant for the Bosave LLG to another station.
The boxes contained 4335 open and 4335 regional ballot papers.
The boxes have been put aside at the Mendi police station and will not be counted following a petition submitted by a group of candidates to election manager David Wakias.