Polling official pays compensation

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday 10th April, 2013

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO

AN electoral official has made a compensation payment of K84,000 in cash, 24 pigs, a cow, a cassowary and a tree kangaroo to a losing candidate in Mendi, Southern Highlands.

Assistant returning officer for Imbonggu electorate Francis Akol and his Uku tribesmen paid a former candidate for Imbonggu Steven Temo and his Parop tribe last Saturday. 

Akol paid the compensation after some of his tribesmen smashed glasses of four vehicles belonging to Temo in October last year.

Temo had allegedly accused Akol of irregularities during the national elections last year and being biased towards the winner of the Imbonggu seat, Francis Awesa, who is the current Works and Implementation Minister.

The conflict developed into a clash between their tribesmen and supporters.

Four vehicles belonging to Temo and his supporters were allegedly damaged by the Uku tribesmen.

Akol said the initial quotation of the damages given to his Uku tribe for compensation was K120,000 but they paid more than what was demanded by the Parop tribe.

He said the value of the pigs and other animals was K54,000 which brought the total payment to K138,000.

Akol said the conflict had been resolved and there were no differences among them.

“I don’t have any hatred feelings against Temo and his tribesmen; they accept the compensation with good faith,” he said.

Temo said he accepted the compensation payment and urged his tribesmen to maintain peace and harmony between the two tribes.