Tight security keeps peace

By YVONNE HAIP
ELECTIONS counting in Enga province is progressing peacefully, with already one declaration made, as a result of security forces providing tight security on the ground.
The security forces said they were out to ensure that minimal election-related violence occurred, and so far, the province which had been host to many election-related deaths, had recorded none.
Ballot boxes, kept at the storage area at the Wabag police station, which was bombed during the 2002 election, are being transported to the counting venue at Wabag Primary School under heavy escort.
At the counting venue, three checkpoints have been set up and all vehicles and people are vetted to ensure there are no disruptions to counting.
Provincial police commander Supt Martin Lakari said yesterday there were some incidents but these were allegedly caused by people in authority who tried to commit election-related offences and were caught.
He said the five killings in the province were payback killings committed by enemy tribes.
Lakari said security forces would continue to charge and arrest law breakers and have them answer to their crimes.
ACP Job Mangae, who is overseeing security operations in Enga, said the two weeks of counting had passed peacefully despite some threats being made.