Dei by-election RO removed

The Returning Officer for the Dei Open By-Election in Western Highlands Province has been removed from his post following a refusal to comply with directives from the Electoral Commission.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi officially revoked the appointment of Philip Telape yesterday, naming Baffic Rasowe as his replacement.

The dispute stemmed from instructions issued by Vagi to set aside two ballot boxes from Rulna Ward 10 and Rang Ward 1 in the Kotna LLG. The directive was issued following allegations of foul play in those areas.

Vagi further instructed that any votes from these boxes be excluded from the current tally.

In a formal response, Telape refused to comply with the order, declining to set aside the boxes or adjust the count.

NBC News understands that several candidates have also lobbied for the disputed ballot boxes to be included in the count, directly opposing the Acting Commissioner’s mandate.