2017 National Elections

Spokesperson for the candidates, Brian Boma, alleged that the appointment of RO Willie Ropa and the assistant RO Samuel Kewa, for Anglimp South Waghi, was illegal.

He claimed the appointments were done through the incumbent MP for Anglimp South Waghi, Joe Komun Koim.

Before counting takes place, the appointment of Ropa and Kewa must be revoked, says Boma.

After presenting their petition to the Jiwaka Election Steering Committee, the candidates said the committee confirmed that Ropa and Kewa did not apply for the position of the returning officer and ARO.

It was scheduled to take place this morning however, due to administrative matters, it has been delayed to later this afternoon at the Bomana Correctional Service.

Returning officer Tabu Vaira said the delay is mainly to do with the submission of returns by the presiding officers.

Vaira confirmed that counting will commence with the ballot boxes from the Hiri LLG.

There are a total of 41 ballot boxes from the four LLGs, Mekeo, Kairuku, Koiari and Hiri.

Numbering in the hundreds, supporters are braving the heat, patiently waiting for the declaration.

They arrived as early as 9am in truckloads and PMVs displaying green shirts and flags as well as decorated vehicles.

Quality checks are currently being held at the counting venue.

The declaration is expected by 3pm today.

Counting was delayed for 15 hours after count 91 due to issues raised by candidates regarding poor treatment of their scrutineers.

The issue was addressed last night and counting resumed at 11pm. 

Despite a petition by candidates over several issues, the declaration is expected to go ahead.

After the final count 96, Tkatchenko polled 19,926 votes from the total allowable ballot papers of 37,741.

This is 1,054 votes more than the required 50 +1 (18, 871) voter preference to be declared winner.    

Returning Officer Francis Yawalan told Loop PNG from Nuku Station this morning that counting for the Sandaun Province Open seat started on Monday, with only four boxes counted.