Election Related Violence

“Leaders are blaming the Electoral Commissioner and blaming the National Government, and not telling the truth.”

Sir John in a statement said the people of Lagaip had a peaceful polling and candidates conducted themselves very well.

The UPNG Southern Highlands Student Association are offering their sincere condolences to the families and tribesmen of those who have lost loved ones when Mendi was turned into a battlefield by supporters of rival Southern Highlands Regional candidates.

The tragic event happened on the morning of 18^th of August 2022. Government services such as hospitals and schools were disrupted due to the intense counting period.

Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra says instructions were issued to all schools to resume normal classes on July 25 and August 1 for other schools due to election-related violence and disturbances.

Provincial Education Advisors were also advised to assess the situation in their provinces and decide on an appropriate decision.

However, news reports of schools still closed and low turnout by students and teachers in the last two weeks has caught the attention of the Department.

This followed the damage of properties and unlawful wounding when National Alliance party supporters attacked supporters of Namatanai Open’s third runner-up on Tuesday, July 26^th, at Pire Village after the peaceful declaration of the Namatanai Open seat.

The suspects were arrested for offences ranging from intimidation, fighting, causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), stealing, violence, arson and wilful damage of properties, including the damage of four boats.

The clash started two weeks ago between Kabwum settlers and Sepiks over an argument that residents at the ESS gate to the church bus stop, near the mini dump, did not vote for the candidate who lives in that area.

An argument at a roadside market soon escalated into a confrontation involving stones, knives and bows and arrows.

Residents advised this newsroom that guns were used yesterday and this morning again, when police arrived on scene, where a shootout ensued.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $100,000 (K352,500) in immediate humanitarian assistance to respond to displacement in Papua New Guinea, resulting from election and tribal-related violence, which began in May and continues.

Prime Minister James Marape in a press conference on Monday 25 July joined by Assistant Commissioner for Police NCD/Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, gave assurance that the authorities are working around the clock to ensure order is restored in the city.

The Prime Minister sternly warned law breakers that the country has no place for them. Marape said regardless of the individuals being a candidate, scrutineer, or part of the electoral process, lawlessness will not be tolerated.

He said in the past, Wabag was always one of the safest electorates. People and candidates would make sure that things were done in a proper manner. He said sadly the election this year has been poorly delivered, adding that the 2022 National Election has been polluted by a lot of accusations causing bad things to happen. 

Andapanga is concerned that members of the public have thrown some blame at him and his supporters for the attacks.

The candidate is adamant he has been wrongly accused.

He told media this morning, “…on social media and everywhere they are accusing me (and) my supporters for causing this problem. In fact when they go down to the wire and investigate, they will realize that it is not Andapanga’s supporters.

“I want to appeal to Papua New Guineans to make an investigation and find out who cause this problem.”

A statement from the CEO’s office said all vehicles and persons entering the hospital premises gates will be searched for weapons.

A metal detector search is in place for anyone entering the Emergency Department, CED, Cons clinic and all entry points to the hospital.

CEO Dr Paki Molumi said there will be guards manning the gates and guardians will not be allowed entry as well.

Meanwhile, medical staff on duty will be picked up and dropped off to and from work.