Jiwaka police warn public against roadblocks as LLG polling continues

The Secretary for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government has responded to a petition presented by Anglimp LLG President Nicholas Koruwa, saying the matter will be addressed after the current LLG elections.

The petition and protest stem from disputes over the legality of newly created wards within the Kuna-Komun and Anglimp LLGs, which led to roadblocks and unrest across parts of Jiwaka Province earlier this week.

Following a committee meeting, several resolutions were passed, including an amendment to the Electoral Commission’s decision to suspend polling in Kuna-Komun and Anglimp.

Authorities also warned the public not to set up further roadblocks, saying such actions would be an offence under the new Terrorism Act 2025. Polling for the LLG elections has now begun.

Jiwaka's Provincial Administrator, Rick Kogen, apologized to the public for the roadblocks along the Jiwaka section of the highway on Tuesday, saying it was regrettable that businesses had been forced to shut down and inconvenience had been caused to the public.

Kogen explained that the creation of Kambia and Kuna-Komun LLGs followed the proper legal process under Sections 26 and 27 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government.

He said Kambia LLG deserved its own recognition, as it had a constituency representative in the Provincial Executive Council since 1995. Kogen added that the recent protests should not affect Kambia, which has been genuinely gazetted.

“The 18,000 voter population for Kambia, as speculated, is not correct according to the recent census update; Kambia has only close to 3000 population due to its remoteness and the majority has migrated out.” He said.

Kogen warned Kudjip LLG not to interfere in the boycott as it does not concern them.

"This protest could be driven by political motives, speculating false figures on inflation and deflation of voter population....... ringleaders must have correct data and information on hand and not mislead the people,” Kogen said.

Authorities in Jiwaka have warned the public not to set up any more roadblocks, saying such actions will be treated as offences under the Terrorism Act 2025.

Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi said five people were arrested on Tuesday and are now in police custody, charged under the new law.

Inspector Asi said investigations are continuing into reports that some members of the public attacked police with dangerous weapons while officers were clearing the highway earlier this week.

Meanwhile, polling in Jiwaka Province is progressing. Voting for Nondugl LLG began yesterday, while the rest of the LLGs started today.

Ballot transportation to some accessible areas in Jimi District also began today, with airlifts for remote parts of Jimi expected on Friday.

The Jimi District Development Authority [DDA] and local MP Wake Goi, who is also the Minister for Civil Aviation, are funding the airlift operations to assist the Electoral Commission.

Polling for Kambia, Kudjip, and Minj LLGs will begin tomorrow alongside other districts in the province.

A government spokesperson clarified that the creation of new wards was part of the decentralisation process for better service delivery, not an attempt by the government to gain political advantage ahead of the 2027 National Election, as some have speculated.