Roadblock by backers cleared

National

SUPPORTERS of a candidate cut down trees and blocked the road at Kondopina in the Anglimp-South Waghi electorate of Jiwaka,
but it was cleared yesterday, police said.
Provincial police commander Joseph Tondop confirmed the roadblock but said the Jiwaka people were not responsible.
“The road at Kondopina in the Anglimp-South Waghi electorate is actually the border area of Jiwaka and Western Highlands,” he said.
“It is the backroad from Jiwaka that leads into the Dei council in Western Highlands.
“The roadblock was done by supporters of a candidate from Western Highlands.”
Tondop said that special services division officers cleared the blockage yesterday afternoon.
“The officers cut big trees and pulled them off the road to clear the path,” Tondop said.
Tondop said counting in Jiwaka was delayed again yesterday because election officials had their training and rehearsal.
“So far the province is doing well, better than expected, and I urge the people of Jiwaka to not interfere with the counting process,” Tondop said.
“We have enough security manpower on the ground and I believe we will deliver a safe, fair
and trouble-free counting and declaration.”