Powi condemns attack on Electoral Commission staff

SOUTHERN Highlands Governor William Powi has condemned the attack on five Electoral Commission officials near Mendi on Wednesday and called on police to investigate the incident.
The five were attacked and robbed while on their way to facilitate the handover of the provincial election manager from David Wakias to Jacob Kurap.
Acting deputy electoral commissioner Simon Sinai was heading the team which included three senior female officials.
They were stopped by locals at a roadblock near Mendi and questioned why they were going to Mendi. They were attacked and robbed.
“It’s unfortunate that this has happened,” Powi said.
“The new appointee is operating in Mendi.
“I think this is why the former election manager and candidates, colluded to block off the Electoral Commission office in Mendi.
“This is an internal matter for the Electoral Commission to deal with.”
He said Wakias and Kurap should have a smooth handing-over and settle in at their new postings.
Powi recommended that Wakias should move out as instructed by “his boss, who is the electoral commissioner”.