MT HAGEN - Papua New Guinea police chased an MP by helicopter after he allegedly tried to seize ballot boxes on polling day in the Highlands province of Enga.
Police also have seized a semi-automatic rifle and more than 300 rounds of ammunition from the home of another
MP.
In Enga on Tuesday, Wapanamenda Open member Miki Kaeok allegedly fronted up to the local treasury building with supporters and tried to seize ballot boxes, police said today.
Security officials prevented him from doing so and confiscated his vehicle.
But he returned in another car and allegedly tried to ram a police vehicle, police said.
Police at the scene called for a helicopter being used in the election security operation and tracked the MP by air to his home village, displaying guns out the side of the chopper.
The MP and his supporters were interrogated at the scene but charges had yet to be made.
Kaeok is in former Prime Minister Mekere Morauta's PNG Party.
At Quindiawa in the Highlands Province of Chimbu, police this week seized the rifle and ammunition from the house of Quindiawa Gembogl MP Mathew Siune, a member of Prime Minister Michael Somare's National Alliance party.
Police said in a statement they expected to charge Siune over the weapon.
Near Laiagam in Enga Province on Wednesday night, security forces escorting ballot boxes exchanged gunfire with men who had set up a road block.
No one was injured and the ballot boxes were escorted through the next morning, police said.
Polling continues in PNG until July 10.
- AAP
