Presiding officer arrested in Madang for election fraud allegations
A presiding officer in the Madang Urban Local Level Government [MULLG] election has been arrested for allegedly keeping unused ballot papers and other election materials in his possession after polling ended last Wednesday.
Police apprehended the officer, identified as Mesi Timaus, part of Team 63, at the Tusbab Secondary School counting venue after scrutineers reported suspicious behaviour they had been observing for several days.
According to Provincial Police Commander [PPC] Superintendent Robert Baim, officers from the National Criminal Intelligence and Transnational Crime Unit conducted a search of the man’s bag and found ballot butts, ballot papers, and polling journals.
Superintendent Baim confirmed the arrest overnight, saying the officer is now detained at Jomba Police Station and will be charged under the Election-Related Offences Act.
“This case serves as a warning to all polling officials to carry out their duties diligently and honestly,” PPC Baim said. “Every eye is on them, and police will not tolerate any attempt to cheat or interfere with the democratic process.”
He also alleged that Timaus may have been working with certain candidates to influence the counting process for the Madang Urban mayoral seat, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify others who may be involved.
Meanwhile, tensions rose at the counting venue after news of the arrest spread. Frustrated candidates confronted election officials, demanding an explanation and calling for counting to be suspended.
Mayoral candidate Stanley Gaan suggested suspending counting until the matter was properly addressed, but leading contender Ishmael Yama and candidate Deve Korki opposed the idea, saying the process should continue unless there was a court order to stop it.
Police intervened to calm the situation, advising candidates that they were free to pursue the matter in court if they were not satisfied with the explanation provided.
Timaus later told candidates that the confiscated ballot papers were unused and would not affect the ongoing count.
A faction of candidates, however, met later in the evening and agreed to pursue the matter further.
Counting for the MULLG election is continuing under tight police security to ensure transparency and fairness. So far, six of the ten wards have declared their councillors, with the seventh expected to be declared tomorrow.
PPC Baim reiterated that the police’s role is to provide security and protect election materials while investigations continue.
“We are here to serve—with or without resources. Our commitment to safeguarding the public, ensuring the safety of polling officials, and protecting election materials remains unwavering,” he said.
Provincial Election Manager Sponsa Navi was unavailable for comment as he is currently out of town.