Security forces and PNG Electoral Commission officials in the Southern Highlands Province met this week to look at strategies to complete counting before 12 August, the new date for the return of writs for the 2022 National General Election. “Counting in the province is a bit slow so I had a meeting with the Provincial Election Manager Mr Alwynn Jimmy, the Quick Response Force Commanders, Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen and the electoral officials in the province to strategise on how we can fast-track the counting,” Highlands Western End Commander acting Assistant Commissioner John Kale said. Mr Kale said counting in the Southern Highlands province is so far progressing well without any major election related issues, however, he has received police intelligence reports of an alleged build-up of firearms within Mendi township. There were also reports of certain candidates intending to block off the two roads into Mendi from Tente and Kiburu but they were warned