Moresby North-East officials protest over non-payment

Counting officials for Moresby North-East have stopped counting today in protest over the nonpayment of their allowances by the Electoral Commission.

The counting contingent took to the main Waigani freeway during lunch time today to demand for their allowances to be paid before the end of counting.

The group made a big scene in front of the PNG Electoral Commission office.

A supervisor for the Moresby North-East counting centre, Steven Kairu, presented a petition at the Electoral Commissioner’s office.

The document stated that counting for the North-East electorate will not resume nor finish unless the officials are paid their full allowances.

The issue started since the polling period for some of the officials, who have continued through to counting.

Kairu said after presenting the petition, the returning officer for North-East had acknowledged the counting contingent, assuring them that they will be paid before the end of today at the counting venue.

The counting officials were asked to vacate the front of the Electoral Commission office and wait for their allowances at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Payment is expected to take place today between 4 and 5pm. 

Author: 
Annette Kora