Police in Central Province have confirmed that the Local Level Government (LLG) Election is progressing smoothly, despite a shortage of ballot papers that has prevented many eligible voters from casting their votes.
Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Joseph Salle said police officers have been assisting election officials only when required at polling places.
He confirmed that three people have been arrested and are currently detained at Fifteen Mile Police Station for hijacking ballot papers.
“The issue leading to the hijacking of the ballot papers was again the limited number of ballot papers compared to the eligible voters there,” PPC Salle said. “That is something the Electoral Commission needs to look into and resolve.”
Despite the challenges, PPC Salle commended the people of Central Province for maintaining peace and cooperating with polling officials.
“I am happy with how the people of Central are behaving during the election, even though eligible voters have raised issues regarding their names not being on the common roll and the shortage of ballot papers,” he said. “However, they have come to an understanding and proceeded with the voting, which is nearing completion. Most of the ward councilors have been declared, while the other wards are still voting. After all ward councilors are declared, the election officials will continue to count the LLG President votes,” PPC Salle said.
He added that there were no major incidents reported, except for one ward at Hiri Koiari LLG.
Polling would continue throughout the week and end after all wards had completed their voting.