Investigation into the theft of two ballot boxes containing 2012 National Elections votes for Kandep Open Electorate has already begun, says Enga’s police boss.
Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas said police investigators are trying to “establish the motive” of the theft.
The incident happened last Wednesday, when unknown persons broke open the container containing the ballot boxes and stole only the two boxes that were not exhausted during the Court ordered recount, which ended two weeks ago.
The container was kept inside the Wabag Police Station yard.
“I condemn the action of those responsible and police will establish the motive because the two boxes stolen were not exhausted and contained 7,000 votes in them. All the other boxes were not touched,” PPC Kakas told Loop PNG.
He also blasted the PNG Electoral Commission for not advising him of the decision to count the two boxes that were stolen.
PPC Kakas said at a closed door meeting on October 18, between the PNGEC and lawyers representing sitting MP and Opposition Leader Don Poyle, and successful election petitioner Alfred Manase, it was resolved that a second recount will be taken. This is to correct errors in the judicial recount which will otherwise affect the end result.
PPC Kakas said he was unaware of the meeting and decision reached because the Electoral Commission office did not advise them.
“If we were advised we would have secured the area,” he stated.
The theft happened hours after the decision was reached to recount the two uncounted boxes.
(An example of a ballot box. Photo by Mike Wightman, AusAID)