Kandep open seat recount 2016

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.  

Justice Stephen Kassman this afternoon said he does not have jurisdiction to hear the stay application filed by Don Polye on Sept 15, seeking to stay the re-count of ballot boxes in the Kandep Open seat.

Following the ruling on Sept 6, Polye filed a slip rule application asking the court to re-visit its decision, alleging that the full bench made an error on Sept 6 by ordering a re-count.

He also went before Justice Kassman on Sunday in a special fixture Supreme Court sitting, asking the court to stay that recount.

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.