Certain candidates and their supporters in the Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik Province are claiming the act of witchcraft stole their votes.
According to Returning Officer Martin Wana, the allegations surfaced after certain candidates did not collect estimated votes in certain areas, which they claimed is their stronghold.
Wana told Loop PNG that the claims are outrageous because polling at all venues in the district was held outdoors and during the day.
The RO added that the candidates tried to use this allegation to ask for a recount of the boxes.
“A recount is impossible until a court order is served,” Wana said.
Meanwhile, counting of the primary votes contained in the 19 ballot boxes was completed yesterday.
The sitting MP maintains a 7,792 voter gap from the former MP, who he unseated in the 2012 National Elections.
This is the progressive tally of the top three candidates, after completion of count 19 primary votes yesterday at Yangoru Station.
Yangoru-Saussia Open - after count 19
|
CANDIDATE |
PARTY |
TALLY |
|
Richard Maru (Incumbent MP) |
People's National Congress |
15,803 |
|
Peter Wararu Waranaka |
National Alliance |
8,011 |
|
Isaiah Sanduma |
THE |
5,691 |
The absolute majority for the open seat contested by sixteen candidates will be confirmed after quality checks of the primary votes are done.