Youth dies in election clash

A MAN has died following a clash between two groups supporting rival candidates during the Kundiawa-Gembogl by-election in Chimbu, The National reports.
A compensation de­mand of K100,000 and 52 pigs was imposed on the two candidates by re­la­tives of Peter Bob, 18, of Gembogl.
Relatives of the de­ceased presented the compensation demands to the two candidates last week. Bob had died of head injuries.
Police said immediately after the polling in one of the stations in Gembogl, supporters of the two rival candidates had a fight.
The deceased sustained serious head injuries as a result and was rushed to the Kundiawa General Hos­pital where he died after a few days.
Chimbu provincial po­lice commander acting Supt John Kale confirmed the incident and said police mediated with the tribes and settled for the compensation.
He said the body of the deceased was taken to his Siago village on the foot of Mt Wilhelm for burial last Thursday.
Kale has appealed to candidates and their supporters to maintain peace during the counting.
"It is important that people respect each other and live peacefully, because election comes and goes and the people must live peacefully and lead normal lives," Kale said.
Last Saturday evening, police dispersed sup­por­ters of the two candidates as they were trying to argue and fight among themselves.