PNG Elections : Gulf Polling progressing Well

PNG's Gulf Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Jeffery Lemb said polling in the two districts of the Province of Kerema and Kikori is progressing well.

He said out of the nine Local Level Governments, they spent the last three days in Kerema Urban and have completed polling there. 

Security personnel providing security in Gulf Province. [Photo by Police Media]

They have now moved to West Kerema and Kerema Central. 

Lakekamu LLG is also covered and polling is in progress now.

Chief Inspector Lemb said Kotidanga and Kaintiba LLGS are remote places and they are waiting for airlift from the PNG Electoral Commission to insert the polling teams and security personnel. 

He said all security personnel have been identified to escort ballot boxes and materials to these remote places that are accessible by air only.

Meanwhile, in Kikori-Baimuru, all ballot boxes were escorted on Saturday morning. 

Polling is expected to be conducted today (Monday 11 July 2022).

Mr. Lemb said Gulf Province has had a peaceful and quiet election so far with no major incidents. 

He said the only complaints are names missing from the common roll. 

Mr. Lemb said this prompted a meeting last Friday with the Gulf Provincial Election Steering Committee, where the Election Manager allowed for the use of the 2017 Common Roll because of the numerous complaints received from the voters at the polling booths.

Mr. Lemb is confident his 50 regular policemen, extra security forces sent to beef up manpower on the ground consisting of 20 NCD contingent, seven members of the Mobile Squad, 12 members of the Water Police, 31 personnel from the PNG Correctional Services and 200 Police Reservists will be able to assist him deliver a safe, fair and free 2022 National Election.

Statement/NBC/PNG Today

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