Court rejects re-count bid

THE National Court in Waigani has refused court proceedings filed by Lae Open candidates who wanted a re-count ordered.
Ruling on the application by the candidates seeking orders that the count of the preferential votes for the Lae Open seat be declared null and void and that a re-count be made, Justice Mark Sevua said the proceedings were premature and must be withdrawn.
Justice Sevua said such an action should be left until after the return of the writs. The proceedings were filed on July 10 by candidates Mathew Minape, David Kaupa, Titus Wambun, Frank Isaac Pologo and Pastor Lucas Waip.
The candidates also sought to have all the counting officials replaced, claiming they were relatives and servants of sitting MP Bart Philemon. Lae counting officials yesterday welcomed the court's decision, saying it now cleared the way for the eliminations to begin. After the 55 ballot boxes were counted, sitting MP and New Generation Party Leader Bart Philemon led with 6,273 followed by Mathew Minape with 3,312 and National Alliance's Benson Nablu with 1,887.
Mr Minape and the other candidates protested over Mr Philemon collecting votes in areas they said were their strongholds. Elimi-nations for Lae Open seat started yesterday.