“The Issue for the funds for the allowances should not be the case now as the Electoral Commission has enough money to pay for the officers.” Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato told the media in Port Moresby today.
Mr Gamato was asked a series of questions by the media which he answered accordingly.
Among the issues raised by media was the K184, 000 allowance money confiscated from former NCD Election Manager Terence Hetinu which the Electoral Commissioner confirmed is with the police undergoing investigation.
In response to the recent resignation of the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC), the Commissioner said the EC was in the process of helping them out in terms of logistics and finance including the information they require.
“As we were processing that, it’s a pity unfortunately they resigned”.
He further said the EAC’s resignation is premature stating that their role is to advise or recommend to the EC, their grounds for failing of election.
“To this stage, I have not seen strong grounds across the country. Polling has progressed very well apart from issues like the issue of common roll which I’ve already addressed”
He said a lot of people have voted despite hiccups with the electoral roll, but promised to address this after the election.
Whilst stating that EAC does not have strong grounds to recommend a failed election, the EC told media the decision to fail the election is his.
“The decision to fail an election is mine”.
