Police ready for Goilala polling

 POLICE  are organised for the Goilala open by-election.

Acting NCD-Central Assistant Police Commissioner Chief Supt Jerry Frank said police operation was on schedule for the election after the untimely death of MP Daniel Mona this year.

Frank said 57 officers were assigned, with support from auxiliary police in Tapini to cover the polling.

An additional 100 officers were tasked to provide security for the Pacific Games.

Frank said the two operations would not disrupt normal policing in Central. 

Training of polling officials for Tapini and Guari local level government areas began on Wednesday and will end today.

Training for Woitape  local level government polling officials is yet to be conducted.

It will be completed when the Electoral Commission airlifts training officials and material when money is released.

Frank said the police were expecting the polling to take place without any disturbance to the polling stations.

“We would like to see a peaceful polling with fair participation for all voters polling their votes without threat and intimination,” Frank said.

“We are expecting the locals and the candidates and their supporters to help police to ensure the election polling is not interrupted in any means.”

Frank urged the candidates to encourage their supporters against violence during election.

A total of 33 candidates will be contesting the by-election.