Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato

Gamato told Loop PNG this afternoon that the delay in starting the re-count was because of the delay in securing a venue that is why the recount of ballot papers will start on Thursday.

He added that the Slip Rule Application by lawyer representing Opposition Leader and Kandep MP Don Polye will not affect the start of counting.

“Meanwhile there is slip rule application before the supreme court but had being adjourned to Monday so that does not stop us from doing the recount, it will continue until the court decides otherwise,” Gamato said told Loop PNG.  

Parties representing Don Polye, Alfred Luke Manase and the Electoral Commissioner appeared before Justice Stephen Kassman of the Supreme Court this morning.

Polye filed an urgent application on Sept 15 seeking to have the Supreme Court stay the recount that is set to start tomorrow.

His lawyers appeared in an urgent Supreme Court sitting yesterday (Sunday) however, the matter could not proceed to a hearing as other parties were not aware of the application. It was adjourned to this morning.

“I have talked to the Police Commissioner to assess the situation on the ground before I can make a decision,” Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said. 

“In the meantime, I have (already) written to the government asking for funding support to conduct the by-election for Hela (Province).

“As soon as the funding is available, I will advise the Governor General to approve dates for the by-election.”