Counting for Pogera Paela Open by-election to proceed under tight security

All ballot boxes for the Pogera-Paela Open by-election has been successfully airlifted from Kairik Airport in Pogera to Wabag Town, where they now await counting. The extraction was carried out under heavy security following a week of delays caused by damaged infrastructure and safety concerns.

Polling concluded last Monday, but efforts to transport the ballot boxes by road were hindered after two key bridges in Muliatka were destroyed. Security threats and reports of ballot box hijackings also complicated logistics.

Despite these challenges, security forces have been commended for successfully completing polling operations.

To address the damaged infrastructure, Enga-based police personnel, with assistance from local communities, have constructed a temporary bypass over the Yandan River, one of the destroyed bridges. Using spades, axes, bush knives, and stones, they created an alternative crossing that is now being used by vehicles.

A convoy of more than 60 vehicles carrying security personnel is expected to use the bypass to move out of Pogera, heading towards Wabag and neighboring provinces.

Meanwhile, SOE Controller Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop confirmed that additional security will be deployed tomorrow to support ongoing construction of temporary bypasses for both damaged bridges. This effort is being undertaken in collaboration with the New Pogera Gold Mine and the Provincial Department of Works.

Tondop assured that the coordinated approach will allow police contingents from Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga, Jiwaka, and Chimbu to safely withdraw following the completion of polling.

With ballot boxes now secured in Wabag and infrastructure repairs underway, authorities are preparing for the counting phase of the by-election under strict security measures.