Central counting off to a late start: Police

CENTRAL police commander Superintendent John Midi has described counting in Central as a “push start” affair as reports on the ground confirmed a late start to counting in Port Moresby.
He said Kairuku started counting this week at Murray Barracks, while the newly established Hiri-Koiari electorate had some administrative issues with spacing, chairs and issuing of identification cards for its scrutineers.
He said the counting venue at the PNG Correctional Service (CS) premises in Bomana was still being prepared for Rigo, Abau and Goilala districts.
According to Andrew Sirap, who is assistant returning officer for Vanapa Brown in Hiri-Koiari, the delay in counting was due to passes for counting officials and vehicle passes not being ready.
However, counting has begun but at a snail’s pace as issues continue to hinder the progress of counting at Murray Barracks.
There are six seats for Central including the regional seat.
Midi said polling booths have increased from 264 in the past to 673 this year.
He said a total manpower of 192 men and women which includes regular personnel, the civilian component and 100 reservists were authorised by the Election Planning team led by Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Planning and election security coordinator Dr Philip Mitna.
“We have a area of 30,000 square kilometres in Central to cover.
“We share our borders with Milne Bay, Gulf, Morobe and the Northern,” he said.
“We had to engage extra manpower to help in this election by securing the services of 109 members of the PNG Defence Force,” he said.