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Security worries raised for PNG election
Australian Associated Press - November 14, 2008
Papua New Guinea's top cop is seeking nearly half a million dollars of Australian funding to increase security for upcoming Bougainville presidential elections.
The autonomous PNG region of Bougainville is to choose a new president after its former leader Joseph Kabui died suddenly of a heart attack in June. Local Bougainville police are worried no security budget has been allocated.
PNG police commissioner Gari Baki wants $400,000 from the Australian government after Bougainville leaders failed to allocate security funds in an election budget.
"I am very disappointed that the Bougainville leaders did not listen to Mr Nessat (Bougainville police chief) and deliberately left his budget out," he said. "We are working around the clock to secure the funding and we are now asking the Australian government to assist," he said.
Regional police commander Cletus Tsien said as they received no extra funds Bougainville citizens must be responsible during the election, PNG's National newspaper reports.
"I am still in the dark as to where the money will come from," he said. "Funding police security is an expensive exercise because we have to deliver high quality service in order for a safe and sound election."
Former Bougainville parliament speaker Nick Penia is one of seven candidates who have so far nominated for the presidential race. Edward Okoau, Gerard Sinato, Sam Kauona, James Tanis, Clarence Cozxunie and Ruben Siara are also in the race with nominations closing on Friday.
Election officers have also reported a massive enrolment increase. The election is being held under Bougainville's laws which shows another step towards total independence expected in a 2015 vote. Polling is to start on November 30 and end on December 12 with the outcome due by the end of December.
Bougainville and PNG spent nearly a decade in a bloody war over Bougainville Copper Limited's Panguna mine. Local landowners fighting for better royalties and environmental concerns brought forward the Bougainville independence movement.
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