‘Electoral Officers To Be Investigated’
Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner Gari Baki is calling for the National Capital District (NCD) election manager, Terrence Hentinu, and his deputy to be replaced, after receiving reports of an alleged breach of electoral law.
According to NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Ben Turi, Boroko Police apprehended Hentinui, his deputy, area returning officer and a driver for being in possession of suspicious documents, ballot papers and a huge sum of money.
“Hentuni was apprehended at 6-Mile in a tinted, unmarked vehicle, while on his way to inform the electoral officers of the polling being postponed.”
“Police discovered K184,000 (US$57,000) in cash, with some contracted document purportedly signed by Hentinu and a certain candidate.”
“His deputy was apprehended at Bisini with ballot boxes. Both were trailed by the Police after a tip-off. The vehicle was suspicious because it was tinted, and at the same time, there was no Police escort.”
He said the vehicle was suspicious because such materials should be escorted by Police and Police were not informed.
Mr Turi said the Electoral Commission confirmed what Hentinu claimed, and that the money was allowance for polling officials, and that was part of the delay in polling. He said two candidates have also been taken in for questioning as well in relation to the huge sum of money, adding that names would be released once investigations were complete.
Mr Turi said he personally spoke with Commissioner Baki over the phone, who advised to have both (election manager and deputy) replaced before NCD goes into polling on Friday. He further advised that all suspects must be released from custody to allow for the handover and takeover of the new election manager in two days time to ensure free fair and safe election on Friday. He acknowledged the Police officers for a job well done, and appealed to the voters, scrutineers and supporters of candidates, to report to Police if they come across any suspicious act.