PNG Acting Electoral Commissioner rejects bribery claims in Dei By-Election

Papua New Guinea electoral authorities have moved to address growing online claims surrounding the Dei By-Election, with Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi dismissing allegations of bribery and hijacking as false.

Ms Vagi /Photo supplied

Ms Vagi said the claims circulating on social media were baseless and had unfairly discredited the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission at a sensitive time during the by-election process.

She explained that the allegations originated from unidentified sources and lacked credible evidence to support the accusations being widely shared online.

The Acting Electoral Commissioner emphasised that the Commission’s officials had not interfered with or influenced the outcome of the Dei By-Election.

She also clarified that the recent appointment of a new Returning Officer was accompanied by clear directives, including instructions not to count ballot boxes from Rolna and Rangi wards.

The decision, she said, was made after a video surfaced online allegedly showing people filling out ballot papers, prompting precautionary measures to protect the integrity of the poll.

Ms Vagi urged the public to report election-related offences to the police and reminded election officials to maintain neutrality and avoid any association with candidates or their supporters.