Ballot boxes destroyed, Kandep counting suspended

Counting for Kandep Open was suspended this morning after a fight broke out in the counting room between scrutineers and counting officials.
Returning officer Mr Ben Besave confirmed that some ballot boxes were destroyed and ballot papers burnt during the commotion.

“At this point we are not sure if counting will continue as the situation is quiet tense and to make matters worse, ballot boxes and ballot papers which are people’s votes have been destroyed”
The team are now waiting on the Electoral Commission to give them direction on what happens next.

Meanwhile this was the last progressive tally after count 60;
1. Alfred Manase 16,053
2. Don Polye 14,337
3. Peter Mision 5439