AUKI POLICE are focusing more on election related activities amidst the tense environment fueled by hard-hitting political campaigning.
Provincial Police Commander Alfred Uiga said some unwanted incidents has happened therefore, his officers will put more effort and resources into election policing operations.
“My office has received a number of complaints in relation to unwanted disturbances in relation to the tense political campaigning that is going on in the province,” Mr Uiga said.
He said the incident at Maoa village, West Kwaio, where supporters of a candidate clash with their opponents and a RAV 4 vehicle taken and destroyed is one of the few unlawful incidents that warrants police’s entire focus and concentration.
He said three men in the RAV 4 vehicle were spared, but the vehicle was damaged.
The Auki police chief said they also received reports of unlawful incidents in North Malaita and West Kwara’ae constituencies.
“These were the three major incidences that demonstrated the tenseness of this period that warrants concentrated police focus.
“These incidences were obviously between supporters of candidates.”
He said those involved in those incidences are under investigation therefore warned Malaitans to support candidates in a good spirit within the bounds of the country’s laws.
“We want to ensure a safe and fair election for all, therefore your cooperation is needed. Do not do something silly that will afterwards come back and bite you.
“We will be taking tough measures against those who think they can take laws into their own hands.”
By LUCIO SANGA
In Auki
