2017 National Elections

Progressive results:  

Loop PNG was on location this morning to observe the movement of scrutineers, officials and security into the venue, which hosts the Moresby North-West and NCD regional counting.

The strip of road, once populated with small time businesses and betelnut sales, have all been cleared out by police forces.

This is due to incidents that have happened in recent times outside the Rita Flynn gates.

Police stationed on site say the place had to be cleared for the safety of the officials.

The event, which was scheduled for yesterday, was deferred to today.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato appealed to the scrutineers to do their job properly and understand their role in the process.

Gamato explained that in some places, counting has been significantly delayed after scrutineers raised objections.

He highlighted that scrutineers must understand that under the organic law, they are allowed into the counting centres to scrutinise.

He said this during the presentation of the Moresby South writ to Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato.

Tkatchenko said he is confident the People’s National Congress will be the major coalition partner to form government. And when that happens, he will push for the Prime Minister to seriously look into improving the electoral process for 2022.

He said serious improvements needed to be made to allow for the smooth flow of elections.

Returning Officer Michael Are presented the writ to Gamato this morning in the presence of declared and returning MP, Justin Tkatchenko.

Gamato commended Are and his officials for ensuring that counting took place and concluded quickly.

He also urge other returning officers around the country to do the same.

Gamato also congratulated Tkatchenko, saying the people of Moresby have unanimously voted to keep him as their representative.

As of 10am this morning, progressive results for Moresby North-East after count 29:     

“Security on the ground consists of 13 Special Services Division personnel, 10 PNG Defence Force personnel and 50 local policemen and women who have been ready since Monday,” members of the team told Loop PNG.

“Only the Electoral Commission knows the reason behind these delays.”

Counting for the electorate was scheduled to start yesterday but was deferred to this morning.

Apart from that, the extraction of ballot boxes was also postponed.