Kidnapping mars PNG election

2 Aug 2012, 11:29 am   -   Source: AAP
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Kidnappers demanded election manager Cleopas Roa stop counting votes indefinitely for the Enga regional seat before they would release his son. (Getty Images)

Kidnappers demanded election manager Cleopas Roa stop counting votes indefinitely for the Enga regional seat before they would release his son. (Getty Images)

The teenage son of a Papua New Guinea election official has been kidnapped and his father threatened, a PNG newspaper reports.

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The teenage son of a Papua New Guinea election official has been kidnapped and his father threatened, a PNG newspaper reports.

Sobi Roa, 14, was kidnapped at about 4pm local time on Monday in Wabag, Enga province, police have told the National newspaper.

His father is acting Enga election manager Cleopas Roa.

The boy reportedly called his father and told him he had been kidnapped and threatened with death.

The kidnappers had then demanded Mr Roa stop counting votes indefinitely for the Enga regional seat before they would release Sobi.

A police spokesman told AAP he was aware of the case but was awaiting more detail from the provincial commander, Superintendent Martin Lakari.

Mr Lakari could not be reached for comment, however he told the National the boy's relatives had joined police in a search.

He said the kidnappers were believed to be a former election candidate or his supporters and appealed for anyone who may know the kidnappers to come forward.

PNG's election commissioner says just five seats are left to be declared for the 2012 poll, with the return of writs extended until August 8.

PNG Elections

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