Quality checks

This has caused slow progressive counting updates since Thursday night. Due to numerous issues regarding counting figures, the Gulf Electoral Office was advised to undergo quality checks for every count before progressive totals are posted. This is to avoid any disputes.

So far, Gulf provincial counting centre have completed the quality check for Kerema Urban, Central Kerema LLG and East Kerema LLG. Checks have also been done for Tairuma and the four Kikori LLGs.

Kerema open has completed all primary counts for all 6 LLGs with quality checks done.

Ballot boxes for Central Provincial seat were transferred to Ben Moide Club at Murray Barracks today.

Hiri-Koiari Returning Officer, Leo Ameua, said that before resuming quality checks, sitting arrangements will be reorganized. The number of counting officials will also be reduced.

He said this is to make sure the Open and Regional seat counting areas are not overcrowded.

Finschhafen Returning Officer, Fredah Joses, stressed on the need to recheck and confirm their numbers before a formal declaration is made.

Finschhafen Urban was the first LLG to complete counting on Saturday, with only three ballot boxes.

On day two of counting (Sunday, July 24^th), Kotte Rural (nine ballot boxes) and Hube (10 boxes) completed primary count at 3pm, while Yabim-Mape (11 boxes) and Burum-Kuat (12 boxes) completed theirs late in the afternoon.

Konoagil have completed their quality checks.

Morobe and Salamaua have complete their quality checks while Wampar Rural is still in the process of doing quality checks for its materials.

“Wampar Urban have last two boxes to complete before they do quality checks,” said Returning Officer, Daniel Wasinak.

“Maybe Monday, we should start our exclusions.
“Exclusion em bai yumi ron hariap liklik bat em bai depend lo distribution blo ol ballots; sapos namba i liklik, em bai yumi spid, sapos namba i bikpla, bai yumi go slow.
“Hopefully, and most probably by Tuesday, we should have a winner declared by then.”

Central Province election manager Kila Egaba confirmed that the elimination process will begin late this afternoon.

He said there were a lot of changes to figures after quality checks.

After quality checks, Independent candidate Robert Agarobe has the highest progressive total with 24,190 votes.

Results for the top five after quality checks:

1. Robert Agarobe (Independent) : 24 190

2. Kila Haoda (PNC): 21 520

3. Rufina Peter (TPNGP): 16, 139

4. Boe Eno Daera (Independent): 14, 380

4. Nelson Saroa (PPP): 11,008

Counting was suspended at the end of count 112 today, before officials resumed at 4:30pm to do quality check.

At the end of count 112, Sir Mekere Morauta is still ahead while sitting MP, Michael Malabag, is on 5th place.

After the final count of box 96 by 6 am today quality check was to be carried out however this was delayed due to issues raised by scrutineers and their candidates.

Meantime candidates of Moresby South have petitioned the Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, to halt quality checks immediately.

They allege foul play during the counting process in which their scrutineers were not present when counting was done at night for up to 60 ballot boxes.

However, Loop PNG understands that the quality checks will go ahead tomorrow.