PNG Electoral Commissioner

Speaking at the Southern Region Consultation Workshop on the Civil & Identity Registration Act Review, Gamato said currently the office does not have all data the EC might need to prepare for the elections.

Gamato said this following discussions on the need for information sharing between organisations to ensure better coordination and planning, especially in elections to deter double and ghost voting.

This was announced by Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, after seeing the amateur footage shown on TVWAN News yesterday.

The incident occurred in North Waghi at the Singirok Barracks where ballot papers were marked outside of the legal electoral process.

The boxes in question are for Kendu 1 and 2, Tolu 1 and 2, and Bolba 1 and 2.

Gamato said what transpired was inappropriate and was not democratic, and has already instructed that the ballot boxes be set aside.

Gamato was referring to the money found in the possession of the NCD election manager, Terence Hetinu, during a search by police at a polling location.

Police searched the NCD election manager’s vehicle after he was apprehended and taken to the Boroko Police Station.

Gamato denied the claims and suspicions, stating that he was aware of the large sum of money transported by the Election Manager.

He clarified that the funds were received earlier this morning and the election manager was in possession of it to deliver to polling officials.