Media should also highlight peaceful elections

I READ in the mid-week Chronicle that elections in Kagua-Erave were not conducted properly.
Last week, The National reported that some candidates in Ialibu-Pangia claimed that there was unfair polling in that electorate.
I am one of the 24 candidates for the SHP regional seat and I campaigned on a platform of zero tolerance to corruption and accountability of public funds, among others.
As such, I have been in the province throughout the campaign and election period.
Yes, there have been incidents both during the campaign and voting periods, but they were nothing compared to what SHP is known for in the past.
The campaign period in the entire province was the most peaceful ever.
I only recall a number of incidents involving the throwing of flowers and mud onto a candidate’s car for love or hate reasons.
But there were no confrontations, deaths, burning of houses, or attacking of rivals, candidates and supporters.
In fact, from the reports I gathered, polling was conducted peacefully, fairly and transparently on both Saturday and Sunday.
My communication with my coordinators in other electorates also revealed one death from a ruptured spleen in Kou, Ialibu, following a tussle between rival supporters and many allegations such as foul play, voter intimidation, vote rigging, bribery and so on.
But all in all, the elections in SHP were peaceful, fair and transparent, especially on the eastern side.
For this, I would like the media to give credit to my people where it is due and not misreport all the time.

Vincent Mirupasi
Port Moresby