More exhausted ballot papers found in Madang recount Source: EMTV News An increase in exhausted ballot papers in Madang’s open recount has raised many questions surrounding the integrity of the electoral laws. This was a concern raised at the Jomba counting center by electoral and counting officials including scrutinees. Almost over a thousand live ballot papers were found in the exhausted ballot box during the Madang open judiciary-ordered recount. The figures increased by 1, 022 from the original 3, 187. The sitting MP scrutinees claimed foul play and presented the returning officer, Simon Sinai, a petition raising concerns on the legality of the ballot papers. Saun Dambui, one of the scrutinees, questioned the increase in exhausted ballot papers as quality checks had already been conducted. However, Assistant Court Registrar Baka Bina explained that “a court-ordered recount of the PNG Electoral Commission must be complied with.” All errors and omissions must be raised with the court. Mr Bina said the results must be returned to the National Court on September 2 and said it’s impossible. If scrutinees want a stop to the counting, lawyers will have to lodge an application with the court for an extension. The returning officer suspended the recount on Wednesday, which resumed yesterday after lawyers of both parties, Duban and Yama, failed to turn up for the briefing. Mr Sinai was surprised but at the same time he raised concerns over such incidents happening in Madang
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:00:06 +0000
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