Counting in Chimbu Province commenced on Saturday but not without its share of dilemma. Chimbu Provincial Returning Officer, Mr. Tom Sine expressed great concern over the time period they have left for counting. “We have less than a few days to go before the return of writs, but we are hopeful that we can meet the deadline,” Mr. Sine said. He stated that since counting started on the 23rd, they have received two petitions by the contesting candidates. Mr. Sine has stated that two petitions were put forward to him since counting started and is adamant that it will not influence the counting process. Mr. Sine stated that the petitions by the candidates were for him to not have the night shift counting. “The candidates have petitioned for me suspend counting during the night, but I have to get them to understand my position that we are approaching the deadline for the return of writs this Friday and hopefully we can get the declarations in by Thursday,” he said. Simbu Province is one of the Provinces that commenced polling late but with the pace at which they are going, they would probably finish well before Friday. The election manager has given his stance on his position on whether counting would stop after disruptions and delays were caused by disgruntled candidates of the various seats in the provinces. He said that he is in no position to bring the counting process to a halt just from a petition. “As the returning officer in all my powers cannot stop the counting from a petition. Should the candidates find something wrong in the process, they can send in a petition with a court order, only then will I stop. Otherwise, counting will proceed as usual,” Mr. Sine advised. Right now counting is going on, but not without slight delays and a few disruptions