36-year-old candidate contesting Madang urban mayor’s seat apprehended

A candidate contesting the Mayor’s seat in Madang Urban LLG has been apprehended for possible questioning over his involvement with the presiding officer who was arrested last week.

Both men are in police custody.

The Assistant Returning Officer responsible for the LLG election in Madang Urban confirmed the apprehension of 36-year-old Cletus Andrew Kaunga from Kompian, Enga, early this week.

Provincial Police Commander for Madang, Superintendent Robert Baim is currently out of the province and could not be reached for further details of the candidate's apprehension.

Other candidates contesting the Mayor’s seat have written a letter to the Electoral Commission asking for the mayor election in Madang to be nullified, citing grave concerns over the integrity and transparency of the LLG election process.

They claimed serious irregularities and procedural inconsistencies have undermined public trust and compromised the credibility of the election outcome.

They said despite raising these issues through proper channels, no satisfactory corrective measures have been taken.

The mayor candidates have also withdrawn all their scrutineers from the counting venue, a decision they made in defense of democratic fairness and accountability.

They are also calling for a full investigation to be conducted into the mayor's election.

Candidate Barnah Robert Kas says, "Their decision reflects their commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of the people’s voice in Madang Urban LLG."