Thieves break into EC office

By ROSELYN ELLISON
THIEVES broke into the Electoral Commission office in Lorengau, Manus, on Friday and removed items such as electrical devices and office stationery.
Manus police commander Chief Inspector David Yapu said the incident occurred between 1am and 5am at the Sapau Building where the office is located.
Yapu told The National on the phone from Manus that the burglars broke a window to enter.
They then removed two laptop computers, stationery, chairs, rations, flash drives and flex cards from the election manager’s office.
Yapu said it was the fourth time the office had been broken into.
“People must respect this office as they are ready to go out and deliver the local level government (LLG) elections,” he said.
He said police would make sure those responsible faced the full force of the law.
Yapu assured Manus election manager Alice Sikin that police would give the matter priority.
Meanwhile, Sikin said nominations for the LLG election went smoothly with 195 candidates filing their nominations by last Friday.
More nominations are expected today and tomorrow.
“Police will provide security during this election period and I assured every citizen in Manus that this LLG election will be safe, free and fair,” Sikin said.
There are 12 local level governments and 131 wards in the province.
The 12 LLGs include Aua Wuvulu, Balopa, Bisikani Soparibeu, Lelemadih Bupichupeu, Lorengau, Los Negros, Nalisopat Penabu, Nigoherm, Pobuma, Pomotu Ndrehet Kruti Andra, Tetidu and Rapatona.