The recent allegations of hijacking of ballot papers during polling in Goroka has been brushed aside by the EHP Election Manager, Steven Koupa.
A candidate in the Goroka open seat recently posted pictures on social media alleging that people are voting at will, without any control from the polling officials.
Koupa, when asked about the claims, said the presiding officer, at that time, allowed that to happen in order to complete polling on time.
"Sometimes, when polling is late, the presiding officer had to act on the best interest of the people by allowing them to vote and really don't need to call the roll."
"To me it's not hijacking of the election process," Koupa stated.
Meanwhile, polling for Goroka Open was completed on Tuesday.