The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission has been bombarded with critics for failing to conduct a fair, free and safe by-election for Madang Open….
Lawyer representing the petitioner, Zacchary Gelu, says lack of performance and coordination by the Madang electoral office has resulted in the many recounts.
Mr Gelu clarified this as the main reason; the petitioner filed an application for the commission to answer before judiciary.
The Madang National Court on Wednesday this week ruled in favor of the Petition of Peter Yama and made a decision, after Election Process Integrity was questioned.
The court found several errors and Omissions committed by Electoral Officials in last year’s recount;
- Lack Of Security Providing during polling
- Failure to accept 6116 marked ballot papers found at the Madang Cemetary
- Incomplete verifications of 66A and 66B that was solely signed by returning officer and his assistant (excluding Scrutiners), a requirement under the Organic Law.
- Defying Lawful Instruction and orders from Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen not to be involved in quality check, and the elimination process with final declaration. The letter dated December 16th 2013 was sent to the returning officer and his assistant after 16 candidates petitioned that PNGEC for irregularities
- Re-Polling figures not returned to court; votes 4 and 21 were not brought forward to the court by the returning officer.
The petition clarified the court application was not to challenge sitting MP Nixon Duban but simply to check and balance figures.
The Madang National Court and Justice Sir Bernard Sakura has handed down a decision for the recount of Madang Open seat due to errors and ommisions committed by the electoral officers.
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