NCD candidates want Gamato to step down

The call is part of a nine-point petition presented to Gamato at 4 pm today just as a scheduled daily media conference was winding up.

Pangu NCD Candidate Noel Anjo, read the petition, on behalf of nine others to Gamato in front of the media before presenting it to him.

The petition states that:

1. Gamato explain to candidates and residents why polling has been deferred;
2. Gamato steps down as he is incompetent and has compromised the office he serves;
3. Deputy commissioner, Kala Moro, act as Electoral Commissioner immediately and closely involve the election advisory team in the conduct of the election;
4. 2012 and preliminary 2017 Electoral Roles be used along with the 2017 role. And students at UPNG be allowed to vote on presentation of official UPNG registration cards
5. Gamato have three alleged electoral officers found with money and ballot papers in their possession prosecuted;
6. All votes casted today be discounted;
7. Polling to be concluded before Friday 30^th June;
8. Representatives of all candidates to be present during pre-counting of ballot papers; and
9. CCTV cameras to be installed in all counting rooms.

During the media conference Gamato explained that the deferral was because polling officials in one electorate did not receive their camping allowances and refused to facilitate for the casting of votes.

He said polling will be deferred to Friday which should give enough time for all officials to have their allocated funds.

Gamato said the votes casted today in several polling venues will be discounted and will remain in police custody.

He said new ballots will be issued and new votes casted on the day.

Meantime, Gamato informed the candidates that he will prepare a formal statement to address the other points in the petition.

The petition was signed by Noel Anjo, Elvis Leslie, Jamie Maxtone Graham, Bonny Igime, james Melegepa, Robert Maino, Mekere Morauta, Andrew Mald, Ken Siminji, and Andy Bawa.