Potape wants funds for Hela recount

Posted on PNG Breaking News

Prime Minister James Marape has been called on to release the funding for the Electoral Commission to conduct the court-ordered recount for the Hela Regional seat.
With two weeks more to go before the order expires, former Hela governor and petitioner Francis Potape said it was important for the prime minister to help the Electoral Commission to conduct the recount so there was leadership in Hela amid all the lawlessness in the province.
Mr Potape said 16 of the 30 days had lapsed and only 14 days remained as ordered by the court.
“Time is running out and there is no time to delay for the people of Hela,” he said, adding there were planned moves by certain government authorities to delay the recounting process.
“It is obvious that certain people are trying to use delay tactics in releasing the fund at the last minute. This is a clever attempt to force the Electoral Commission to go back to court to give more time.
“With only two weeks to go, it is not fair to allow the Electoral Commission to go back to court for an extension of time. This is not fair for the people of Hela and it is not fair on my side as well. The people of Hela deserve leadership. As the petitioner, I have provided my case so it is now incumbent on the Electoral Commission to run the recount.
“I also call on the Electoral Commission to be neutral and not to be influenced by anyone. Mr Undialu and I should not be visiting EC staff as has happened for two hours last week.”