Nail traps danger for Kavieng MP’s election convoy
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Nail traps danger for Kavieng MP’s election convoy
PORT MORESBY: About eight vehicles in Kavieng MP and
Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey’s convoy had their tyres punctured by new nails
strewn on the Buluminski Highway.
Ling-Stuckey said it was
a “major safety concern for use in our general election campaign traio”.
“It is obvious that the
nails were deliberately strewn on the road, covered with banana leaves and
flowers, strategically at Nonopai and Losuk villages.
On another matter,
Ling-Stuckey said he did not win in General Election 2017 because of the
National Alliance (NA) party.
Responding to claims by
NA president Steven Pokawin, he said: “I did not invite or accept any
campaigning events by the party at that time.”
The General Election 2022 news updates on the electoral battle for Kavieng was reported by The National:
Nail traps a calculated attack: MP
May 31, 2022The NationalMain Stories
Ling-Stuckey said it was a “major safety concern for us in our general election
campaign trail.
He said at least eight vehicles travelling along four kilometres of the highway
had tyres punctured by new nails.
“It is obvious that the nails were deliberately strewn on the road, covered by
banana leaves and flowers, strategically at Nonopai and Losuk villages.
Ling-Stuckey said the traps were discovered at a hamlet area past Losuk village
and between Sali and Nonopai.
He said of the four lead vehicles punctured at Losuk hamlet had at least 16
nails.
Ling-Stuckey said two public buses, not part of the convey, were also
punctured.
“This is one of the most vicious nail trap attacks on a candidates’ convoy and
other vehicle owners using the highway.
“It was a deliberate and calculated attack. It was not a random trap but
planned. Those candidates and their supporters responsible for the nail traps
should be ashamed of themselves,” he added.
Ling-Stuckey called on his supporters not to retaliate against such jealous and
hateful acts.
“Let us welcome all candidates who have been nominated to contest in Kavieng,”
he added.
“Let us cooperate with all the candidates, regardless of their political party
affiliations,” Ling-Stuckey said.
Ling-Stuckey denies NA
claims
May 31, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
Ling-Stuckey in response to claims by NA president Steven Pokawin, told The
National that he did not invite or accept any campaigning events by
the party at that time.
“Let me make it clear that I did not win the 2017 election because of National
Alliance Party.
“That is just a hallucinated statement by Steven Pokawin.
“On the contrary, I didn’t invite or accept any campaigning events by NA and
campaigned entirely on my own,” said Ling-Stuckey in response to the claims by
Pokawin at a rally in Kavieng.
Pokawin announced during a recent rally at Snafu Oval in Kavieng that former
New Ireland premier Pedi Anis was NA’s candidate, replacing Ling-Stuckey who
had resigned to join Pangu Pati.
Ling-Stuckey re-joined Pangu Pati last month, saying it was leadership that
influenced the people of Kavieng and he joined the party nearly 30 years ago.
He said it was the changing of guards in the leadership of Pangu that made him
decided to re-join the party under the stewardship of Member for Tari-Pori
James Marape.
He called on the NA party to get over his resignation and move on.
“It’s nice that Pokawin still misses me, but he should show a bit more love,”
the Kavieng MP said.
Meanwhile, Ling-Stuckey urged all other parties and candidates to present their
policies so the people of Kavieng could make informed decisions on their
candidates when voting.
Police to use WhatsApp to monitor election
security in Southern Highlands
SOUTHERN Highlands
police will create a WhatsApp Group for all candidates, Electoral Commission
(EC) officers and other relevant officials to monitor 2022 general election in
the province.
Commander Chief Superintendent Daniel Yangen said “we can discuss and resolve
issues as fast as possible” via WhatsApp.
He told regional and Mendi-Munihu candidates, EC officers, police and people in
front of Mendi police station on Friday after the draw for the candidates’
numbers on the election ballots.
“The aim is for everyone to air their views and discuss on how we can work together
for a safe, fair and free elections,” he said.
Yangen said the supporters’ mayhem in the 2017 general election was due to lack
of communication. “Many have learnt from past mistakes and we want a
violence-free election this time. We all must work together to make it happen.
“If a candidate sees any of my policemen involved in crooked deals with any
candidate, they must take pictures and post or report to the WhatsApp Group so
that we can investigate and deal with the alleged candidate and policemen.
“It is good news that the nomination period ended smoothly, without any
violence,” he added.
Mendi-Munihu returning officer Sebastine Kisambo also supported the creation of
the group by police.
Election manager Jimmy Alwin said he was looking at engaging God-fearing people
to take part in the counting of ballot papers at Momei Oval.
“I am open and free to talk with all candidates to ensure a successful election
in the province.”
Palma nominates outside Kerowagi after threat
A THREATENED Member of
Parliament (MP) nominated in a non-gazetted location after being threatened by
supporters of rival candidates.
Kerowagi MP Bari Palma filed his nomination papers in Kundiawa town instead of
at the district administration office because of concerns he would be attacked
if turned up at the designated nomination site.
The Chimbu electoral office confirmed Palma and film actor McPolly Koima
nominated for the open seat in Kundiawa.
Provincial election manager Rev Tom Sine and Kerowagi returning officer Ben
Williams facilitated Palma and Koima’s nominations.
Palma, who is defending the Kerowagi seat, thanked Sine and Williams for
understanding his plight.
He condemned the threats issued by supporters of rival candidates.
He said everyone had a democratic right to participate in free, fair and safe
election.
Palma said the election process should not be sabotaged or hijacked and that
the integrity of the process had to be protected.
“If you are challenging, your challenge should be free and open but using
threats and intimidation is not supposed to be the way for the people of
Kerowagi,” he said.
Palma said the people of Kerowagi were law abiding and wanted a peaceful and
fair election.
CCTV to be used at EHP counting venues, says
Welly
CLOSED Circuit
Television (CCTV) security camera will be used at the nine counting centres for
2022 general election in Eastern Highlands, commander Superintendent Michael
Welly says.
“CCTV were used at the Goroka by-election and it proved to be effective and
successful. So, we will be doing the same again for all the counting centres
for election,” he said.
Welly spoke at the draws of the order of candidate numbers in Goroka on Friday.
“If in any situation, any disputes or disagreements arise at the counting
process, we will be able to play-back the CCTV recording for transparency and
accountability,” he said.
Meanwhile, Welly said the ballot boxes would be stored at the counting centres
as there was not enough time for counting.
“Police Commissioner David Manning has directed the boxes to be stored at the
counting centres in provinces.
“In our case, all the boxes for Eastern Highlands seats will be stored at the
National Sports Institute counting centre,” he said, appealing to candidates
and scrutineers to speed up counting and return the writs before July 29.
Police responsible for own security: Manning
AFP support … The
Australian Federal Police has provided six body camera kits towards the Police
to use during the election period. Pictured is Sgt Trenton Schmidt (left)
explaining how the body camera works to Commissioner David Manning and AFP
Assistant Commissioner Jamie Strauss (right) during a recent event at Bomana
Police Collage.
By LULU MARK
ELECTION-related
violence has led to the several deaths of policemen in general elections so it
is important that police must be responsible for their own security first,
Commissioner David Manning says.
Manning said due to an unfortunate situation in Wabag, Enga, where two
policemen were killed during the last election followed by another two deaths
in Mendi, Southern Highlands.
“There will be people out there during this election that will see the presence
of security forces (Police, Correctional Service and Defence) as a threat to
whatever goals or intent they have,” he said.
“It is an occupational risk for us that which we all accept that our very
presence during the election process will cause or attract direct attacks on
our personnel,” Manning said.
Official: Counting for 5 seats in Milne Bay to
be held in Alotau
Counting for all five
seats in Milne Bay will for the first time be held in Alotau due to logistical
challenges and security issues, says provincial returning officer Ivan Maraka.
Maraka said three of the five seats, Kiriwina, Esa’ala and Samarai-Murua, were
in the outer electorates and logistics had been a big challenge in past
elections.
He also said given the recent security issues in the province, the provincial
election officials had decided for counting to be held in Alotau.
He said with nomination completed and candidate names already drawn, the
returning officers would meet in Alotau and prepare the candidate posters for
polling.
“We will also be holding training programmes for our officials in preparations
for the polling and counting period.
“Since we have been given 21 days for polling and seven days for counting.”
Veteran Wingti facing 23 challengers for seat
By JILL MIRR
WESTERN Highlands
governor Paias Wingti is facing a challenge from 23 candidates for his seat at
this general election.
The 71-year-old former prime minister, is one of the country’s longest serving
and most experienced parliamentarians having first entered Parliament in 1977.
One woman, Rachel Mura, is among the 24 candidates vying for the regional seat.
Mura, human rights lawyer Danny Gonol, businessman Stanley Nui, Prof John
Nonggor, Pim Mamundi, Steven Kuli and others have started campaigning to unseat
Wingti.
Mura raised concern on transparency during the election.
She urged candidates, security personnel, and all stakeholders to make sure the
election was conducted in an honest way so people could freely choose their
leaders.
Mura said she believed in transparency and accountability.
Nonggor said from experience, laws were not strictly followed.
“I contested this seat twice (2012 and 2017) I have noticed that the election
laws in the country are not strictly followed,” he said.
“I urge everyone, the candidates, supporters, security officials and others to
respect the laws in place.”
Police legal officer Supt John Sagom urged candidates and supporters to respect
laws for a peaceful election.
Sagom said candidates needed to respect each other and allow the democratic
process to take place.
“Security personnel will work together to ensure a trouble free election in the
Highlands,” he said.
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