Powi condemns violence during LLG election

 By JEFFREY ELAPA

SOUTHERN Highlands Governor William Powi has condemned election-related violence in the province.

Powi said this after receiving reports of killings and destruction of properties in the Nipa-Kutubu, Mendi-Muinhu and Kagua-Erave electorates.

He said two killings were reported in the lower Nembi Plateau area, in the Nipa Kutubu district.

“This kind of LLG election violence is uncalled for. I condemn the action in the strongest possible terms in the manner in which the LLG elections were conducted resulting in these kinds of unwarranted actions. I call on the leaders to take lead in maintaining peace,” Powi said.

“Any president who wants to be part of my provincial assembly should maintain peace. I do not want to promote criminals who do not take the lead in maintaining peace and respecting the rule of law.”

He called on the people and leaders to allow people to exercise their democratic rights to vote on conscience.

He said the provincial government had provided K500,000 for the LLG election and he did not expect such actions from the people.