by Bradley Valenaki
FIVE candidates contesting the NCD Regional seat have demanded appropriate actions be taken before counting commences.
This they say will ensure transparency in the counting process.
The candidates include, runner-up of 2017 Andy Bawa, 2012 runner-up Michael Kandiu, former topcop Fred Yakasa, ULP candidate Steven Kilage and former beauty queen and People’s Party, Sylvia Pascoe.
In a written letter addressed to the NCD Election Manager, Kila Ralai, the candidates demanded 14 actions.
1. NCD Regional candidates given access to inspect counting venues ahead of count.
2. Primary counts for Provincial must commence together with open electorates.
3. Set-up of CCTV cameras at all counting venues.
4. No police officers to be in counting room.
5. Installation of billboards for further verification.
6. Counting to only take place during day time.
7. Scrutineers representing Regional candidates must be present for authentication.
8. Details of official vehicles entering counting premises to be passed on to candidates.
9. Allow additional security checks at gate by appointed regional candidates.
10. Counting should be live streamed using social media.
11. Disrupted polling at ATS ward 9 should commence before counting.
12. Presiding officers must present their returns at counting venues.
13. No counting official must be from NCD.
14. Security at counting venues must not disperse supporters and scrutineers camped outside.
The Election Manager Kila Ralai addressed the regional candidates on Tuesday this week at the Rita Flynn netball courts, the designated location for Moresby South counting.
It was there, that he also called on the aspiring politicians to control their supporters and not to interfere with the process.
With all set for counting to commence yesterday in Port Moresby, it appears a further delay has been sort to allow training of officials for counting.
Mr. Ralai confirms budget constraints has led to the cut down and engagement of limited counting officials who will be on shift operations during the count in NCD.
NCD has has gone through two deferrals in polling with Moresby North-East seeing a third.
As it enters counting, the demands and pressure of the candidates and their supporters may drag on even further.
Whatever the outcome, there are only 13 days left before writs close on the 29th of July.
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