Pacific

PNG's electoral chief granted bail

14:39 pm on 10 December 2019

Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato has been granted bail after going into custody earlier this week.

Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato Photo: RNZI/Johnny Blades

Mr Gamato, who is facing charges of official corruption, was arrested in October before being granted bail.

However, he was alleged to have breached his initial $US860 (K3000) bail conditions by interfering with three state witnesses, who are employees of the Electoral Commission.

Mr Gamato was detained at the Boroko police cell last Thursday, before being transferred to Bomana Correctional facility the following day.

PNG News reports that his lawyers successfully sought application at the National Court to have him released from custody.

His matter will return before the Waigani Committal Court on 18 December this year.

According to the court's order, Mr Gamato shall take leave as the Electoral Commissioner and has been given a week to delegate his responsibilities to a senior officer, who will act in his place in the interim.

Amongst the bail conditions, Mr Gamato is to reside in the National Capital District, must not leave NCD without leave of the court, and not interfere with state witnesses.

PNG Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato is under pressure to resign Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades