PNG Police Commissioner Manning demonstrating bias and interference in National General Election
Former PNG prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia and leader of the People’s National Congress Party, Mr. Peter O’Neill said, “The National General Election has been a shambles with lives lost and property destroyed yet, the Police Commissioner has time to lodge a complaint, without any evidence, with the Electoral Commissioner calling for ballot boxes in Kuare LLG, Ialibu Pangia to be withdrawn from counting.”
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| Mr. O'Neill |
“The Commissioner in a letter to the Electoral Commissioner states that he is acting on a complaint from Pangu Pati candidate, Mr Stanley Liria and drops the name of the Prime Minister, leader of Pangu Pati.”
“It would seem very clear to any reasonable person that this letter from the Police Commissioner is nothing more than a veil for Pangu Pati and is biased and designed only to interfere in what has been a peaceful and properly conducted polling and counting so far in Ialibu Pangia.”
“It is difficult for Pangu Pati to accept perhaps that after the reported K20 million spent during the campaign period by their candidate to secure the Ialibu Pangi electorate, that the people of Ialibu Pangia are not so easily swayed.”
“The communities where I come from are good people where bribes and alike are not tolerated. Perhaps they are embarrassed about early counting results and through Mr Manning are trying to alleviate their bruised egos?”
“The Commissioner should be spending his time on finding the culprits of the murderers of innocent women such as the breastfeeding mother shot dead in Erima last week during election related violence. “
“Enga has been at war for a week and Mutzing and Kabwum counting venues have been burned to the ground. Our people have a right to free and fair elections as enshrined in our constitution. It should be the citizens writing to Mr. Manning complaining about his dereliction of duties in protecting people and property. “
“Mr Manning should focus on being a servant to the ten million people of our country instead of being a mouthpiece to a few political masters.”
Southern Highlanders have had enough of politicians causing harm here. If Mr. Manning were to visit Kuare, he would learn that the people there are good, hard working rural people who we all need to do more for – infrastructure, health care, education, and job opportunities. Instead Pangu and Mr. Manning are intent on making Kuare a trick in their circus.”
“The Electoral Commissioner has a very difficult role, but he must keep going and not be daunted by ridiculous claims such as Mr. Manning’s. “
“Mr Manning should also take some time to understand the duties of the Electoral Commissioner and the Commissioner’s officers.
On the 11th of July, 2022 Electoral Commissioner issued an official Memo titled Roles and Functions of Returning Officers and Election Managers. There is no reference to the Police Commissioner having jurisdiction to dispute boxes or to hold boxes back from being counted. Mr. Manning’s complaint is demeaning to his office.
“I can only assume that Mr. Manning’s letter is simply a feeble attempt by embarrassed Pangu Pati politicians who have wasted millions of someone’s money and have failed to secure votes in Ialibu Pangia,” concluded Mr. O’Neill.
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