Kabwum by-election primary counts completed, quality checks await disputed box

All primary counts were completed as if 8pm yesterday, with only one of the 32 ballot boxes disputed so it’s been put aside.

According to the Returning Officer [RO], James Neapukali, the Morobe electoral office is seeking legal advise and will proceed once a decision is made.

A decision is yet to be reached, so counting for today is still on hold past midday. Details of the disputed ballot box is confidential at this time to avoid further misunderstanding and misinformation, because this by-election is being held as ordered by the Supreme Court.

Nonetheless, the Morobe Elections Manager, Simon Soheke said, the quality checks were planned to take place today so as soon as a decision is reached, counting will proceed for the quality checks.

“If the quality checks determine that a candidate has reached the absolute majority, then we will declare a member elect for Kabwum district. If none of the candidates reach the absolute majority, then we will go into the exclusion or elimination rounds,” Soheke said.

The Elections Manager also raised concerns about statistics being leaked out, saying results of the primary counts from all four LLGs are with his officials, but they will not release them until they are verified through the quality checks that are yet to begin.

“Once verified, we will post the results through our medium. In terms of media, I’d like to verify that the official tally will go out from NBC Morobe as the official broadcaster, and that will happen only after the Returning Officer signs and approves for the results to be read on the radio," he said.

As for the primary counts, counting was done simultaneously for each of the four LLGs in four separate counting booths, and the pace was maintained until all were completed, beating the officials’ set expectation to complete primary counts in two days.

Scrutineers were also allowed to stand in the booths with the counting officials, to witness the counts all throughout, including when the ballot box was disputed.

NBC News will keep you posted when a decision is made.