By Samuel RAITANO, in Mendi, SHP/ FM 100
People from some council wards in Kuare Local Level Government (LLG)of Ialibu Pangia electorate, Southern Highlands Province used Kagua Erave electorate ballot papers to vote yesterday.
This was revealed by Timothy Mitameali, Kuare Primary School head teacher who is also Assistant Presiding officer for Mapiro One ward.
Mitameali told this newsroom that the issue was pointed out to assistant returning officer Martin Mambo on Monday evening when he redistributed ballot papers at their council chamber.
Mambo then called Ialibu Pangia RO Ronald Rambu.
However, Rambu told them to check with Kagua Erave RO Albert Wens who referred them back to Rambu.
ARO Mambo then told the Presiding Officers to cross out Kagua Erave label and to write Ialibu Pangia on them with biros.
Mitameali said neighbouring Karapere ward also used Kagua Erave ballot papers.
However, in neighboring Kolopi ward and some others, the ballot papers were correctly labelled as Ialibu Pangia.
Mitameali said the ballot boxes with mixed papers inside were taken to Ialibu for counting, while admitting that polling was done in the night by polling officials themselves.
This was because the ARO, with the support of security personnel warned them not to waste time.
Voters turned out on Tuesday morning only to see sealed boxes ready for transportation back to Ialibu for counting.
Kuare LLG has 17 council wards.
Administratively, the LLG comes under Kagua Erave electorate.
However it has been the norm in all elections that ten wards voted in Ialibu Pangia electorate while seven wards vote in Kagua Erave.
According to the Electoral Commission Gazettal of AROs, Kuare LLG comes under Kagua Erave electorate.
(Pictured is Kagua Erave electorate ballot paper used to vote for Ialibu Pangia candidates in Kuare LLG)
FM100 / PNG Today
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