The sitting Kandep member, Alfred Manase-through a motion, is challenging the Judicial Recount results of the Kandep Open Seat. The matter will return to court tomorrow (Tuesday) before Justice David Cannings for hearing.

The Supreme Court ordered the recount last year following a successful election petition by former Kandep MP Don Pomb Polye. The conclusion of the recount saw Polye was leading the recount with 22,237 voters. Manase finished second with 21,033 votes.https://pngsun.com/2021/02/03/kandep-judicial-recount/

Last Friday, Justice Cannings granted the leave to hear a motion.

PNG Loop reported that the court has a duty to hear both parties before he deliberates on the recount results. https://www.looppng.com/png-news/kandep-open-seat-declaration-hold-99020
Manase, through his lawyer, is arguing that that recount did not comply with the Supreme Court Order number 5. The order stated returning officer for the recount should make a ruling on the damaged, destroyed and identified ballot boxes.

Additionally, he is arguing that PNG Electoral Commission should conduct a fresh recount. In that, PNGEC should exclude the ballots which helped Polye to win the recount.
An elated Polye told supporters that the returning officer Reverend Tom Sine presented the recount results to the court.
He was speaking outside the Waigani Court House last Friday.

Polye assured his supporters to remain calm and be peaceful as the decision for the Kandep Judicial Recount results is pending.

Further, he said they conducted the recount in full compliance with the court order.