Sir Mekere welcomes extension of deadline for return of writs
PRESS STATEMENT Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta today welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court to grant an extension to 2pm on Monday for the return of writs. “The successful application by the Ombudsman Commission provides welcome relief from the election chaos, mismanagement and manipulation orchestrated by Mr Peter O’Neill and the Electoral Commission,” he said. “The extension means many more seats can be declared and writs returned before Parliament sits. “Only 80 writs out of a possible 111 had been returned at the time the Ombudsman Commission made its application for an extension.” As of this morning, there have been a further 18 declarations and counting is continuing in 13 other electorates. PNC has procured 25 seats, far short of a majority of 56. Meanwhile other parties and independents have won 75, so far. The Electoral Commission should redouble its efforts to ensure that ALL writs are returned and ALL citizens are represented in Parliament fo