Three candidates arrested for destroying ballot papers

A male council candidate and two men were arrested by Central police yesterday for destroying ballot papers at a polling place at Vanapa Brown LLG in the Hiri Koiari District of Central Province.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police NCD/Central Benjamin Turi confirmed that the trio will be charged under the Election Offences Act.

He said the suspects are now detained at Fifteen Mile Police Station.

Commander Turi, who was with the police officers from Central who witnessed the arrest, added that the LLG Election 2025 in Central Province had been going well throughout the province.

He said the only incident that the three were arrested for was at Veikabu, where the ballot papers were hijacked by the alleged three and others.

"We had received positive results from all the districts in the province, with more than five ward councilors declared. Police officers are doing their normal policing duties and are observing the polling booths at their respective locations. I want to thank the people of Central for the past three days of peaceful polling," ACP Turi said.

He mentioned that the three individuals who were arrested and detained will appear in court when their court files are ready.

While acknowledging the good work of both the police and the public in Central province, ACP Turi also called on those who are traveling into the province to witness the polling and counting not to disturb the peaceful election process that is currently ongoing.

"Let the people elect their leaders independently, with the trust they have for the leaders to whom they will cast their vote." Turi said.

He stated that police units from both NCD and Central are monitoring their communication mediums and will not hesitate to arrest those who disturb the LLG election.