One of the Assistant Returning Officers for the Imbongu Open electorate in Southern Highlands Province was replaced on Wednesday by the Election Manager after he provided information to EMTV news in his capacity as the ARO.
In a letter to the Imbongu AROs on Wednesday, Election Manager David Wakias confirmed that Steven Tipora was replaced after being arrested and reprimanded for talking to the media.
He claims Tipora has provided false information to EMTV news.
ACP Jim Andrews confirmed that Mr Tipora was seriously reprimanded and released.
However, the Electoral Commission Office is not aware of this replacement, stating in an email that Tipora was an ARO for the district and his appointment was gazetted in Gazette Number 165 dated May seventh, 2012.
In the meantime, threatening messages were sent by supporters of a candidate to the reporter who reported this story.
