Counting has been suspended for the Regional and Open seats in Manus till 8am this Wednesday.
It was suspended after scrutineers filed a petition over alleged discrepancies in counting.
State lawyers engaged in supervising counting responded to the scrutineers petition verbally after lunch however they insisted on a written response to their petition.
They are part of the Provincial Election Steering Committee.
Manus Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector David Yapu confirmed with Loop PNG tonight that counting has been suspended until 8am tomorrow to allow the two state lawyers representing the PNG Electoral Commission to document the petition and respond to the scrutineers.
He says the situation remains quite in the meantime.
"We will most probably resume with counting tomorrow," he added.
The scrutineers petition relates to the serial numbering of ballot boxes, no presentation of formal reconciliation and others.
The scrutineers allege the discrepancies discovered saw candidates score less votes than expected.
They had demanded that their petition be given to Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato to act on or they will institute legal proceeding to obtain a court order to stop counting until all their demands are attended to.
Despite State lawyers responding to their petition they wanted the response in writing.
Meanwhile counting was suspended at count 10.
(Pictured are the Electoral officials addressing the scrutineers outside the Sahat hall this afternoon before counting was suspended. Picture Credit: Bab Korup’s Facebook account.)
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