Attempts to attain continuous progressive results for the NCD Regional Seat has been slow today due to a partial ban on media personnel.
Loop PNG was present at the counting venue for the seat this morning and later in the afternoon but was unable to gather the information due to a restriction imposed on media.
Media were advised that the instructions were from NCD Election Manager, Alwyn Jimmy.
This morning before counting for NCD Regional resumed, Loop PNG and other media personnel were told they were not allowed in the counting area and any questions regarding the ban should be forwarded to Jimmy or his Assistant, Bale Kavanamur.
Phone calls placed to Jimmy were also unanswered during the course of the morning.
Between 3pm and 4pm today, Loop PNG attempted to gather an update on the progressive results but were again not able to do so given that the ban is still very much in force.
Several attempts to convince electoral officers at the counting area, fell on deaf ears as media were not allowed anywhere near the tally room, with officers refusing to give progressive updates.
Even a scrutineer was also asked to leave by Electoral Commission officers after speaking to media during the counting process.
Meantime, Metropolitan Superintendent, Ben Turi, and his officers were present at the venue but told Loop PNG that the jurisdiction of the venue lay with the Election manager and they were there only to assist them.
Earlier in the day Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, said media personnel should be allowed into the counting area but not to take pictures of the counting process.
About half an hour ago Jimmy responded to calls from the Loop PNG team advising that the media has now been allowed into the counting area.
He says that directions have been given to officers stationed at the two entry points to allow all media crew into the tally room.
No reasons were given over the prior ban on media.
Jimmy reiterated that Media personnel were considered vital to the counting process and assured that the counting area would be open for media to gain access.
Given the progress the Loop PNG team stand ready to give updates as the counting continues.