PNG Elections : Sinai Explains Allocation of Ballot Boxes in Southern Highlands Province

Statement

On Sunday 25th June 2022, we learned that one container of empty metal ballot boxes for Southern Highlands that was being transported by the PNGEC logistics team to Hela was intercepted by the police in Mendi and is currently being held at Mendi Police Station together with containers of additional nonsensitive election materials.

I wish to explain the circumstances of this delivery. 

I confirm that on 22 June 2022, I instructed that the PNGEC logistics convoy redirect two containers of empty metal ballot boxes from Southern Highlands to Hela and Enga Provinces for the following reasons:

 -Due to an ongoing 2017 election petition, SHP was not able to access the containers to obtain non-disputed empty metal ballot boxes at the time of dispatch of strategic materials, therefore the PNGEC sent three containers of empty metal ballot boxes to SHP.

 -Whilst these containers were in transit to SHP, approval to access the containers in SHP occurred and as a result the stocktake of empty ballot boxes was confirmed.

 -Accordingly, SHP would no longer need all three containers of empty metal ballot boxes that were being transported to SHP on top of the stocks in the province.

 -During this time, the PNGEC identified that Hela and Enga provinces required empty metal ballot boxes due to the delayed arrival of metal ballot boxes allocated to them. 

-Therefore, I made a decision and instructed the convoy to redirect one container of empty metal ballot boxes to Hela Province and another container to Enga Province to ensure that these provinces will have enough ballot boxes when polling starts in these areas on 4th July 2022.

 -Southern Highlands polling begins on 8th July and a further planned shipment of empty metal ballot boxes is already on its way to arrive in time for polling.

I wish to state for the record that there was no improper or unauthorized diversion of empty ballot boxes. Everything that was done was in accordance with my instructions and in line with my authority as the Electoral Commissioner.

I also wish to note that sensitive election materials (such as ballot papers, ink, candidate posters and rolls) were not included in these containers. Sensitive election materials have already been delivered to the provinces primarily via air transport.

We appreciate that the security of election materials is of upmost importance, and I wish to thank the police for their efforts to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, whilst allowing the PNGEC to clarify the instructions surrounding the transportation of these two containers.

Statement

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