2017 General Elections

The ruling was handed down on Tuesday by Justice David Cannings.

The decision comes following an election petition filed by fourth runner up candidate in the 2017 General Elections, Pastor Bernard Kaku.

Pastor Kaku in his petition asked the court for a recount on the grounds that the returning officer Steven Gore Kaupa failed to complete and determine the results of the counting, by prematurely declaring William Powi as the elected member.

Moresby North East Returning Officer, Thomas Rango confirmed the arrest of his ARO Edward Peter which prompted a brief suspension of counting

Rango however assured supporters, scrutineers and the general public that counting progressed well and will commence again following today’s 64th count.

Moresby North East electorate counting will resume at 8am tomorrow, Monday 17th July.

Meantime, Rango says that the Peter was taken into police custody for wearing a police issued coat at the counting venue.

Moresby North-West - after count 105

Waisa said out of 17 candidates who have so far nominated, most of them sponsored by political parties say they have provided their forms to the electoral office at Waigani.

He said these candidates will be allowed to contest the election but will be regarded as independent candidates.  

The returning officer also revealed that there has been an increase of female candidates intending to contest the 2017 National Elections compared to the 2012 elections.

In 2012, Rigo Open had only about three female candidates that contested.

Chief of Joint Operations, Colonel Ezekiel Wenzel, says there will be 2 patrol boats and 1 landing craft on hand to assist with the logistical and surveillance aspect of the operations.

He says to date, the official number of troops to be assigned to tasking is 500, with the majority to be deployed to high risk areas during the elections period.

Wenzel clarified that the core activity of the troops on ground will be the same as the 2012 general elections, which will be to provide operational and logistical support to the police.