Counting must continue in the Southern Highlands regional seat until a final result is reached and a declaration made, says the Waigani National Court.
This was the ruling of the court after incumbent MP, William Powi, went to court, asking it to stop counting progressing to the quality check stage and prevent elimination from starting until 84 rejected ballot boxes, kept in Mendi, are taken to Mt Hagen for counting.
Powi’s lawyer went to court seeking the interim orders which were refused. The Southern Highlands regional seat is one of the only two outstanding electorates where the writs are yet to be returned, despite being one of the first provinces to go to the polls.
Counting was moved to Mt Hagen following interruptions of counting in Mendi over the weekend.
Counting has been suspended while the 84 disputed ballot boxes remain in Mendi, the court was told yesterday.
Presiding judge, Justice Collin Makail, said the remedy for Powi is to challenge the outcome through an election petition.