2017 National Elections

Counting was scheduled to take place at the Bomana CIS gym today however, due to the arrival of the final polling team last night from Mekeo, counting has been delayed.

The polling team from Mekeo is now waiting for the returning officer to address them.

Counting officials are yet to arrive at the counting venue.

Security personnel consisting of police, defence force and correctional officers are guarding the two containers of ballot boxes at the counting venue.

Scrutineers are also presently guarding the ballot boxes.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato made this comment after a petition by candidates in the Moresby North-East Electorate of NCD to replace the RO, who delayed the counting process.        

“We are already into election, it is very important because when the writs are issued by the Head of State, he issues the writ to the returning officer and for me to change that is not correct,” Gamato said.

“If they have any issue or complaints, they go after the electoral process and they can file before the Court of Disputed Returns.”

Moresby South - after count 96

WNBP Regional - after count 6

“Funds for allowances are parked in the bank, the responsibility now is for the returning officer to provide us with the names and account numbers,” Gamato said.

“Sometimes, on the eleventh hour, they change people’s names and bring in new people and they need to put the bank account (details) so we can transfer their allowances.    

“The issue of funds for allowances should not be the case now because as I am speaking, there is enough money to pay allowances.”

Kokopo Open - after count 3

Chair of the COG, Sir Anand Satyanand, said a key issue and challenge which they noted was the significant number of eligible voters whose names were not on the electoral roll.

“The Group was very disappointed to reports that highlighted the need to address the issue, have yet to be implemented,” he said.

He added that it is critical that adequate expertise and funding required by the PNGEC for creating a credible roll should be provided in a timely manner before the next election.

Counting was suspended at 7pm on Sunday after count 7.

Walter Schnaubelt from National Alliance Party is currently leading the progressive tally for Namatanai Open after count 7 from the Matalai LLG.

Schnaubelt is in the lead on 4,659 votes and in 2nd place is People’s Progress Party candidate and incumbent Open Member for Namatanai James Byron Chan on 3318 votes.

Coming in at 3rd place is Leonard Tonggo from Pangu Party on 25 votes followed by Independent candidate Kiapgugu Ignatius Matius on 23 votes.

The progressive results as of 5pm this afternoon:     

Presiding officers are meeting with Thomas Rango - Returning Officer - and assistant ROs at Unagi Oval where they will be crossed checked according to the list.

From there, they will be transported to the Sir John Guise stadium where training will commence.

(Containers containing the ballot boxes)