Health

Papua New Guinea: Machete gang attacks voters outside polling booth during election


Heartbreaking footage has emerged of a gang wielding machetes attacking voters outside voting booths in Papua New Guinea.

Video footage shows at least a dozen men, armed with long blades and makeshift bats, causing chaos in the North East constituency in the capital Port Moresby – about 500km north of Australia.

A man was surrounded by three others who took turns hitting him with an unidentified object before running towards the downtown cash counting area.

The horrifying clip is the latest in a string of scenes of violence being witnessed across the country amid national elections.

Observers took to Twitter as poll results were released that escalated atrocities between hostile factions.

Local authorities have yet to comment on the ongoing situation but local media reports say there have been several deaths.

‘Election-related violence against the North East Port Moresby constituency at the counting precinct, Vision City, Waigani, NCD’, annotated graphic video.

‘Not safe, please avoid this area. It is happening right now. ‘

A man is surrounded by three others who take turns hitting him with an unidentified object before running towards the downtown cash counter

A man is surrounded by three others who take turns hitting him with an unidentified object before running towards the downtown cash counter

A man is surrounded by three others who take turns hitting him with an unidentified object before running towards the downtown cash counter

‘Riot broke out across PNG today, when the election results were announced, riots between rival factions began. Several people were killed,’ another tweeted.

‘People have been attacked with machetes outside a polling center in #PNG’s capital, Port Moresby,’ ABC reporter Natalie Whiting posted.

‘I have been informed that it is a vote counting dispute for the Moresby North East constituency but am awaiting official comment from the police.’

At least 30 people are believed to have been killed during the six-week election campaign – in both violent clashes and road accidents.

A minister’s motorcade was set on fire in one area while an election official was shot in another.

Governments have been accused of failing to update general lists of eligible voters, meaning at least a million people will miss out on casting their ballots.

Observers took to Twitter when the election results were announced, sparking an escalation of violence between hostile factions and even death (pictured, scene in Port Moresby)

The electoral commission does not have the financial means to update voter lists – with observers fearing the surveillance would fuel violence at polling stations.

There are also concerns about the transportation of ballots and the number of election officials tasked with securing the documents.

About 7,000 people were enlisted to ensure voter safety at polling stations with citizens encouraged to report election violations.

PNG’s last election in 2017 was also synonymous with violence as well as allegations of fraud and vote-buying in some constituencies.

The two most likely candidates are Prime Minister James Marape and his replacement, former prime minister Peter O'Neill (pictured, scene in Port Moresby)

The two most likely candidates are Prime Minister James Marape and his replacement, former prime minister Peter O'Neill (pictured, scene in Port Moresby)

The two most likely candidates are Prime Minister James Marape and his replacement, former prime minister Peter O’Neill (pictured, scene in Port Moresby)

The two most likely candidates are Prime Minister James Marape and his replacement, former prime minister Peter O’Neill.

Mr. Marape’s Pangu Party contested more than 80 seats, while Mr. O’Neill’s National People’s Congress contested more than 90 seats.

To add to the chaos of the election, three candidates were removed from the contest because of different criminal convictions.

One candidate has been found guilty of murder, another of rape and a third of conspiracy to commit fraud – while a fourth MP, Lohia Boe Samuel, has been charged with murder following a shooting at a restaurant in Port Moresby in March.

More than 50 parties will contest this election, with about half going to vote with elections held every six years in PNG (pictured, scenes of violence in Port Moresby)

More than 50 parties will contest this election, with about half going to vote with elections held every six years in PNG (pictured, scenes of violence in Port Moresby)

More than 50 parties will contest this election, with about half going to vote with elections held every six years in PNG (pictured, scenes of violence in Port Moresby)

While the trial is ongoing, the politician can regain his or her seat.

More than 50 parties will participate in this election, held every six years in PNG.

Results will be handed out on Friday, July 29 with the party with the highest number of MPs forming a government in August.

Conducting an election in PNG is a significant challenge due to the remote constituencies, difficult terrain and poor infrastructure.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to visit the country soon after the new government is formed.



Source link

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button