PNG politician held for paying bribes

5 Jul 2012, 3:46 pm   -   Source: AAP

PNG police say they have arrested an independent MP for handing out bribes near a polling station as the country holds its national election.

A sitting Papua New Guinea MP has been arrested for allegedly handing out bribes near a polling station, as police uncover a weapons cache.

North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul, an independent, and some of his supporters were allegedly caught dishing out funds in the neighbouring Anglimp South Waghi electorate when security forces intervened and confiscated a bag containing over K4,500 (AUD$2149) in cash.

Police say they also found seven guns as well as an undisclosed amount of money.

Six members of the Royal PNG Constabulary, believed to be acquainted with the MP, were also questioned and their weapons confiscated on Wednesday.

However, Highlands Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Teddy Tei said the policemen were part of his divisional headquarters team tasked to oversee polling operations currently underway in the newly established Jiwaka province.

Police said they also confiscated Mr Mul's mobile phone and allegedly found pornographic images stored in it.

Investigations are continuing.

Polling in parts of Papua New Guinea have been extended another week after confusion over the state of the electoral roll, logistical problems and poor weather prevented polling in some areas.

Counting has begun in 12 of PNG's 111 seats, such as Prime Minister's Peter O'Neill's Southern Highlands Ialibu-Pangia electorate, where preliminary results show the 46-year-old has taken well over 50 per cent of the vote.

He is likely to be the first candidate declared.

Counting is expected to begin in Enga province and the National Capital in the coming days.

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