By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
It’s now a heart beating process, as counting for the presidential seat has begun.
Nine candidates are racing for this top post, as counting resumed at the main counting centre at Hutjena in Buka, this afternoon.
While scrutiny has begun, Bougainville’s Acting Electoral Commissioner, George Manu, has warned candidates not to try and disrupt the counting process.
Any queries should be raised through the formal Electoral Dispute Resolution Process, to address disputes that may arise during the counting period.
Mr Manu said the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner’s Office with the United Nations Development Program’s support introduced this process
Under this process, any enrolled candidate, voter or scrutineers may complete a Complaint Form if they reasonably believe that a violation of the electoral law or other laws has occurred, or if they object to a decision made by an electoral officer.
Mr Manu encouraged people to use this process and not disrupt counting. Complaints will be investigated as part of the commissions commitment to accountability.
Meanwhile, the Acting Electoral Commissioner is calling on scrutineers and with international and domestic observers to witness all scrutiny process.
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