By Sasha Pei-Silovo – Buka, AROB : FM 100
Counting for the North Bougainville Open Seat will proceed “as normal” and is due to begin this weekend in Buka.
Bougainville Election Manger, Justin Pantumari spoke to FM100 News today to clarify the electoral process following the death of incumbent North Bougainviille MP and National Alliance candidate, William Nakin in Port Moresby on Tuesday.
“We have policy and procedures regarding how to address any votes for a deceased candidate during scrutiny of the 2022 National Election. The instructions is very clear from the electoral commissioner.
“The ballot paper that contains the vote of a deceased candidate is considered as a formal ballot and must be scrutinized and counted.”
Mr Pantumari confirmed that according to PNG election laws “the ballot paper must be counted the same as, if the candidate was alive.”
“The procedure for scrutiny, counting and exclusion remains the same and should proceed according to the established procedures until a candidate receives the absolute majority of 50 per cent plus one,” said Pantumari.
He further explained that in the event that “a deceased candidate” reaches the absolute majority of votes after the first preference or exclusion process “he or she should be declared as the winning candidate and the writ returned to the electoral commissioner and the governor general pursuant to the electoral law.”
“However, a by-election shall be held upon issuance of the electoral writ by the governor general based on the advice of the electoral commissioner.”
Mr Nakin is the 10th parliamentarian from the 10th parliament to have passed on, succumbing to a short illness at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Tuesday 12 July, 2022.
FM 100 / PNG Today
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