Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi has condemned the attack on five electoral officers outside Mt Hagen on Wednesday.
The five officers who were travelling by road to Mendi from Mt Hagen were attacked by people believed to be related to the former Southern Highlands Province Election Manager.
Powi said the attack did not reflect the people of Southern Highlands but was a act of individuals for self-interests
“I don’t need this of people in my province, my people don’t need these people in their province,” Powi said.
“The Southern Highlands election manager was told to move to Wabag, but he locked the Electoral Office in Mendi and has created this issue. This is an internal matter of the Electoral Commission, and I want them to deal with this,” Powi said.
The Governor called for an investigation into the matter.
“I believe there are electoral officers who are involved with intending candidates and politicians, I will advise the police to carry out investigations,” Powi said.
He also said the people of Southern Highlands must have confidence in the current electoral process.
