Highlands tagged red-zone by police

 By PISAI GUMAR

THE highlands region is tagged the red zone as far as election-related violence is concerned, according to Police Commissioner Tony Wagambie. 

And that is part of the reason the Electoral Commission and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary held a conference this week to discuss key issues to ensure free and safe election.

Wagambie said apart from the highlands, other regions were equally unpopular.

Based on the 2012 election theme on “free, safe and fair election without fear, harassment and intimidation”, other issues discussed at the conference included;

. Security for LNG project site;

. Election dates and logistics;

. Bribery, fraud and corruption;

. Hela and Jiwaka boundary issues;

. Charges to be laid against election-related violence offenders;

. Providing opportunity for people with disabilities to vote;

. Health issues include HIV/AIDS, chole­ra, tuberculosis and water safety; 

. Drug and alcohol;

. Women and 

gender; and

. Security force training.

Wagambie and Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen said the three-day conference would forward discussions to include government in the election budget.

“Election is the electoral commission’s business that allows citizens to exercise their democratic rights to choose leaders. 

“However, citizen’s attitude and behaviour warrant security. Therefore advance planning to ensure a free, secure and fair election is critical,” Wagambie said.