Incumbent Kompiam Ambum MP, Sir John Pundari has called on the Electoral Commission to conduct counting for the Open Seat outside of Enga Province.
This follows the destruction and burning of State assets by supporters of rival candidates.
He made this appeal in a news statement.
“The situation is highly volatile and it is unsafe to count in Enga, therefore I humbly ask the EC to consider counting outside of the Province and consider each district and their election related issues on a case by case basis,” said Sir John.
Speaking in Enga Sir John called on all leaders of the Province to address the election related violence that is tearing the province apart and has left many families displaced.
“We cannot blame the Electoral Commission and security personnel for criminal activities carried out by candidates or supporters. We need to come out clear and condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms”, he added.
“My district has lost Government properties worth hundreds of millions of Kina and I am shattered for my people and the public servants who have fled to seek refuge.”
“Kompiam Ambum never experienced such violence in the past election years.”
Sir John said the assets burnt down will take time to rebuild and the younger generation have been deprived of their rights to education and other basic government services.
The incumbent Kompiam Album MP said leaders must now provide appropriate leadership during this time of chaos and violence.
“The People’s Party founder, Governor Peter Ipatas is a part of the current Marape Government and cannot continue to blame the government which he is a part of, by shifting blame to the EC or the Police.”
Sir John said that if there was any complaint of ballot box hijacking, leaders and candidates should know there is a process in place for dispute.
They need to present evidence to the Electoral Commission and not through violence and destruction by use of guns and criminal acts, said Sir John.
He reiterated that there are laws to deal with election anomalies and does not warrant violence as the next cause of action to justify claims of foul play.
“My supporters and I will cooperate and support investigations into these atrocities,” said Sir John.
They must be investigated and arrested by the police.
“I feel for my people who have lost lives and properties in this unprovoked and unexpected conflict we were not prepared for. Our call for support from the security forces fell short. We also understand that the security forces were stretched and could not do much.”
Sir John also expressed his sorrow and pain for the innocent mothers and children who have been displaced and traumatized.
I will ensure justice is done to the people of Kompiam Ambum, he concluded.
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