Kandep MP, Alfred Manase has expressed disappointment over police actions on his scrutineers and supporters over the weekend in Kundiawa.
It was alleged that members of the police force who were there to allow for the smooth flow of judicial recount, raided several houses and guest houses where Manase supporters and scrutineers were residing since the recount started and ordered them to leave on Friday night.
“I’m calling on the police commisioner David Manning, the police internal investigation unit and the responsible Authority to look into this matter and investigate those police officers involved .
“I am very disappointed because the very fundamental electoral process administered by the electoral commission is being abused and hijacked.
“My village people along with my scrutineers and supporters residing in the premier hill of Kundiawa town since the recount were traumatized by the actions of the police.
“My scrutineers and supporters were confronted by the police on Friday night and ordered them to leave and they fled for their safety resulting in the suspension of the recount on Saturday.
“The police also visited upon the guest house where My lawyers and I used to stay asking question in an intimidating manner on Saturday night.
They also visited other guest house on the same night at premier hill and confronted owner of a guest house where my scrutineers have been staying.
“I am very disappointed to the extent , I have been denied my right to scrutinize the recount process through my scrutineers when the counting resume today because my scrutineers were too traumatized to attend.
None of my scrutineers were present to scrutinize the counting which resumed today and this is very bad and unacceptable because this is an interference into the electoral process.
“Scrutineers plays vital role in the electoral process and how can they be ordered to leave.
“ Such behavior is uncalled for and unwarranted as far as rule of law is concerned and in that matter the fundamentals of electoral process is concerned.
“Whilst I appreciate the important role the police play in maintaining law and order in society, such behavior should not be condoned.
“Such behavior leads to breaching the fundamental rights of candidates and which are intended to influence the outcome of the recount.
I have been an enforcer of the law and I respect the police but the behavior this weekend is very disappointing and this must be investigated properly so that the integrity of the electoral process is protected.
