Re-elected member for Madang Open and Allegiance Party Leader, Bryan Kramer, assured the Madang Open election officials prior to declaration that their unpaid allowances will be paid soon.
Kramer before signing the writs, announced yesterday evening, to the polling and counting election officials that their grievances over unpaid allowances have been submitted to the National Treasury Department and will be sorted out soon.
He, however warned them stating that they have breached an election law when they suspended counting for the past weeks.
He stressed that the law restricts counting officials to suspend or disrupt counting for any reason as they will be arrested and charged according to the law.
“No one has the right what so ever to disrupt or suspend the an election process and will face the consequences. We will carry out investigation into this matter and if found guilty with interfering with the election, you will be arrested and charged.”
Kramer explained to the officials at the Marape Hall at Tusbab Secondary School that scrutineers have the right to stop counting to conduct scrutiny but not the officials.
He stated under section 128, that is a breach of the Law and that serious consequences will be faced.
“Investigations will take place in each counting center to fins those accountable and that those involved will be questioned including the Returning Officer as well as the Assistant Returning Officer.”
He again assured them that they will still be paid but must understand that there is a process to follow.
He explained that it is the Returning Officer’s job that the list of names for the polling and counting officials must be submitted to the Electoral Commission first before payments can be made. This way, every official is paid accordingly.
Despite this, Kramer said it was a privilege to serve the people of Madang district for a second term, as he is the first member for Madang district to be re-elected for the second term since 1987.
Furthermore, Kramer thanked the people of Madang for the trust they gave to him to serve them for the next term of parliament.