Gulf official calls for counting to proceed smoothly

By CALDRON LAEPA
in Kerema
SCRUTINEERS and candidates are urged to allow counting to proceed without any disruptions.
Gulf provincial electoral committee chairman Emmanuel Xavier briefed scrutineers on their role during counting.
“We started the campaigns and polling in the province peacefully, therefore we must allow this process to be completed the same way we started it,” he said.
“If there are any irregularities, we should not resort to violence but follow proper avenues to address the issues.
“We must not disrupt this process. We must respect it at a time when the Gulf province is faced with great economic change with the Gulf LNG project coming up.
“That is by far the biggest investment for the province since independence.
“Let’s ensure that the leaders are elected peacefully and without any violence. Let’s elect our leaders through an election process that is free, fair and safe,” Xavier said.
Provincial police commander Chief Insp Heni Vagi said security personnel would continue to provide safety for everyone.