Electoral Commission to advise Court of ballot box theft

The PNG Electoral Commission lawyer is expected to stand before the Court in relation to the theft of two ballot boxes in Enga Province.

The boxes contain the 2012 National Election votes for Kandep Open Electorate.      

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato told Loop PNG that “(the) matter is in Court so our lawyers will go back to inform the Court”.

Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas confirmed the theft and said police investigators are trying to “establish the motive”.

The incident happened last Wednesday, when unknown persons broke open the container containing the ballot boxes. They stole only the two boxes that were not exhausted during the Court ordered recount, which ended two weeks ago.

The container was kept inside the Wabag Police Station yard. 

PPC Kakas said at a closed door meeting on October 18, between the PNGEC and lawyers representing sitting MP and Opposition Leader Don Poyle, and successful election petitioner Alfred Manase, it was resolved that a second recount will be taken to correct errors in the judicial recount.

Manase, in a statement, said the votes in the two boxes can change the result of the recount. He appealed to the Police Commissioner to duly order an investigation, claiming that the sitting MP’s supporters are involved in the theft.       

However, Polye told Loop PNG that he will not participate in a blame game.  

“I will respect the rule of law so that police could respectfully do their jobs of investigation, arrests and prosecution.

“I will not publicise serious works of police and court orders.

“I urge PPC Enga and his police to do their noble job to find out who the culprits are,” Polye said.

Author: 
Charles Yapumi