Services businesses in Mt. Hagen City have been at a standstill since Saturday following tensions triggered by the declaration of sitting MP, William Duma.
Shops have been advised to close while all flights into Mt. Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport have been put on hold until further notice.
This morning protestors took to the streets calling on the Electoral Commission to come clear on what they allege as the illegal early declaration of William Duma with 28 boxes still left to count.
Protesters include candidates for the Hagen Open seat who claim declaration is unjust and has deprived them of a fair contest in the elections.
Tensions have remained high since Sunday with reports of clashes between supporters of rival candidates.
The unrest in Hagen began a day after the fatal shooting of two police mobile squad members in Wabag. Police Commissioner, Gari Baki was in Wabag on Sunday. On Monday he travelled into Hagen for various briefings with troops on the ground.
EMTV’s Mt. Hagen office has been unable to make contact with the Returning officer for Hagen Open or the election manager for Western Highlands since the declaration.
Image: Kumgi Katnamb
