By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The court-ordered recount of ballots for the Kandep Open seat and the Hela Governor’s Seats will cost the Electoral Commission K3 million and K4.5 million respectively.
Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, has written to the Departments of Finance and Treasury to secure the funds.
Last Thursday, the Waigani National Court ordered a recount for Kandep Open after it upheld the election petition filed by runner-up and former MP, Don Polye, on grounds of errors and omissions by the Electoral Commission.
Justice Collin Makail in his decision upheld 2 of the 6 grounds that went to trail and they were mostly to do with errors and omissions by the Electoral Commission.
The recount is scheduled to be conducted within a period of sixty days after the orders are issued and results must be presented in court declaration within 7 days of the completion of the recount.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is yet to set a date and appoint a Returning Officer and an Assistant Returning Officer for the recount for Kandep Open.
