Election 2012 Media Briefing 27th July 2012

ELECTION 2012 MEDIA BRIEFING

Thank you once again media for coming…

In the media briefing this afternoon, I would like make responses to some issues that have surfaced in the past few days.

Firstly, I would like to let the people of Usino-Bundi in Madang know that Returning Officers have NO powers to declare elections in a particular electorate as FAILED; it is the Electoral Commissioner upon advice from the Elections Advisory Committee.

Unfortunately, the Returning Officer for Usion-Bundi was threatened by supporters of a candidate and he was forced under duress to make the announcement to calm down supporters of that particular candidate according to Reports from Madang.

I have stood him down on advice from Madang Provincial Election Steering Committee and have appointed the current Returning Officer for Madang Open electorate James Apimia to complete the eliminations and make a declaration of the winning candidate.

For Imbonggu, Nipa-Kutubu and Hagen Open electorates, I have yet to be fully briefed and therefore could not confirm the issues surrounding elections in these electorates.

Issues surrounding the 12 disputed ballot boxes for Moresby North East Open electorate…I still stand by my decision and will NOT back down on it despite threats of legal action taken against me by Moresby North East candidate John Kaupa and NCD Provincial candidates Michael Kandiu and Ambassador Aiwa Olmi.

My advice to them is that if they are aggrieved then the only avenue left for them and is the correct procedure is to register their case as an election petition with the Court of Disputed Returns after declaration of the results.

The next issue that has come to my attention and needs to be address is the restrictions imposed on the media to cover counting in the counting centers, particularly in Gulf and Western Highlands Provinces.

I am disturbed to hear and read through the media about the media being barred from covering the counting in Western Highlands and Gulf provinces.

These restrictions are in total breach of our Code of Conduct for Elections and even denial of Right to Information as provided for in our National Constitution.

Provincial Updates

Chimbu – All the Open electorates are going towards the end of their eliminations are expected to make declarations tomorrow or Sunday. Only Chimbu Provincial electorate is going through quality checks before eliminations could begin hopefully eliminations would commence on Saturday.

Eastern Highlands – All electorates are now going through eliminations are expected to make some declarations soon.

Gulf – Kerema open electorate has completed its elimination and a declaration is expected soon so as Gulf Provincial Electorate and expect to make declarations soon. Candidates have asked for a Recount however, my position is that candidates can take it in the court of Disputed Returns after declaration.

Madang – Usino-Bundi to make a declaration later this afternoon with only the Madang Provincial electorate going through the final stages of elimination.

Morobe – Only Morobe Provincial electorate which is in its last elimination and a winner is expected to be announced tonight or tomorrow morning.

Jiwaka & Western Highlands – Going through eliminations.

Northern, West Sepik, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Southern Highlands and Enga Provincial electorates should make declarations soon as they near the completion of their elimination process.

Ladies and gentlemen, this brings to conclusion my statement for this afternoon’s media briefing.

APPROVED FOR RELEASE  

ANDREW S. TRAWEN, CMG, MBE

ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER

Friday 27 July, 2012