Worry over return of writs

The National Main Stories

By STAFF REPORTERS
NINE days from the scheduled date for the return of writs, some election officials are worried that they will miss the deadline because of the ongoing disruptions to the counting process by candidates.
In the National Capital District, the Returning Officer for Moresby North-West Vincent Manukayasi said he feared that counting might not be completed in time for the return of the General Election 2022 (GE22) writs on Friday next week.
Counting was suspended at around 1am yesterday when the candidates submitted a petition requesting:

  • A LIVE streaming of the counting;
  • PROOF that the closed circuit television (CCTV) installed by the Electoral Commission was 100 per cent operational and functional;
  • THAT all the boxes to be recounted after the installation of the live streaming telecast;
  • THAT the presiding officers’ journals be made available to their polling teams to confirm the total number of ballot boxes.

Manukayasi said counting was suspended when they started on Ward 1 and Ward 26.
“That’s just two wards. We have gone into the third day of counting and we only have nine days left,” he said.
“With the continuous interruptions from the scrutineers and their candidates, I am afraid that we might not be able make the deadline for the return of writs.”
The candidates also requested Police Commissioner David Manning to look into claims of illegal voting, tampering of ballot boxes and election fraud.
Candidates’ spokesman Isaac Lupari said there was evidence that boxes from Ward One had been tampered with.
Female candidate Anna Kavana Bais said all the candidates were calling for was a free and fair election.
“Election is the true test of democracy,” she said.
“From day one we have been calling for live streaming.”
Meanwhile in Manus, counting was suspended after concerns were raised on some ballot boxes brought in from Aua Wuvulu.
Scrutineers requested the provincial election steering committee for a recount of the 13 ballot boxes.
Committee chairman Oka Nungu told them to file a formal request supported by evidence.
In Enga, candidates contesting the Lagaip Open seat have petitioned the electoral commission to declare a failed election there because they claim that proper procedures had been bypassed.
Martin Lakari, the spokesman for the 33 candidates, said the petition was on behalf of the voters and candidates who were deprived of their rights to vote on July 8.
Lakari claimed that all ballot boxes were hijacked at Laiagam, Kanake, Papayuk, Wanepop, Mapumanda and Waitep under gunpoint.
“No ballot boxes reached the designated polling places,” he said.
“The entire Lagaip populace turned away in bitterness.”
He said out of the 51 ballot boxes, only seven reached the polling stations at Lyamala, Kipos, Kanaik, Papayuku, Wapele, Mamale and Yakeda.
The other 44 were unmarked and forcibly taken away.