LLG election polling suspended in Anglimp South Waghi District

The Electoral Commission has suspended polling in parts of Jiwaka Province following rising tensions and security concerns in the Anglimp South Waghi District.

Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai confirmed today that polling for the Anglimp and Kuna Komun Local-Level Government [LLG] elections has been put on hold after reports of roadblocks, protests, and violence in the area.

In a letter to the Minister for Inter-Government Relations, Soroi Eoe, Mr Sinai said the situation on the ground made it unsafe for polling officials and officers to continue their work.

He said the decision was made to protect the safety of election officials and to maintain the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.

“The suspension was necessary to allow the situation to stabilize and to ensure the integrity, credibility and fairness of the elections,” Mr. Sinai said.

The unrest began after locals protested the creation of 14 new wards in Anglimp Rural and Kuna Komun LLGs, claiming the new wards were established without following proper legal procedures.

Mr Sinai clarified that while the creation of wards does not fall under his jurisdiction, the issue had directly disrupted the polling process.

Earlier this week, reports from the ground indicated that a ballot box from Mala 2 Ward was hijacked by supporters, and another in Kutunga Ward was destroyed after a fight broke out, further fueling the tension.

The Electoral Commissioner has requested the Provincial and Local-Level Government Office to carry out a full investigation into the matter.