Madang police report peaceful polling in Usino Bundi by-election

Polling for the Usino-Bundi by-election in Madang Province is progressing peacefully, with only a few isolated incidents reported, according to Acting Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim.

Baim said a Quick Response Force comprising personnel from the Northern Mobile Group, Lae Sector Response Unit [SRU], and Madang Task Force [Fox Unit] was deployed early this morning to Bundi to manage tensions between supporters of two rival candidates.

“The situation has now returned to normal, and polling is continuing peacefully,” Baim confirmed.

Another incident involving supporters at Ramu Sugar was also brought under control without further escalation.

In response to these disturbances, Acting Superintendent Baim issued a strong warning to all candidates and their supporters.

“Anyone caught disrupting the election process will be dealt with according to the law. We will not tolerate any form of violence,” he said.

Meanwhile, two additional police teams have been dispatched to Snopas and Brahman in the Bundi LLG to reinforce security and support the ongoing polling operations.

Polling is expected to continue in the coming days under close police surveillance to ensure a free and fair electoral process.