Police tell supporters of Chimbu recount candidates to go home

POLICE in Goroka have issued a direct order for rival supporters of candidates involved in the current judicial recount for the Chimbu regional seat to return to Kundiawa and receive the outcome from the National Court.
Eastern Highlands police commander Superintendent David Seine Jr ordered both supporters of rivals Noah Kool and Governor Michael Dua to return to Chimbu.
He issued the order after supporters fought last Sunday night at West Goroka where several were injured and three admitted to hospital and attacks on two security firms, one on Monday night and the one on Tuesday night. Seine said the results in the ballot boxes would not change despite actions like traffic obstructions they had caused while escorting ballot boxes between the Goroka police station and the National Sports Institute counting centre.
“You are the issue on the street now, your actions committed a lot of law and order issues, I want all the supporters to go back as they have no business in the recount, Seine told them.
“You are only a nuisance in Goroka, all supporters from both sides will have to go back and the two candidates can keep only 10 who will be identified by identification cards to partake in the escorting of ballot boxes and other engagements.”
Seine said they were also a threat to the counting and EC officials.
“They have no right to search other scrutinisers and officials moving in and out of the counting centres.”