The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has condemned the shooting of the returning officer for the Kompiam-Ambum constituency in Enga Province.
Pacnews said Beto Pokola was reportedly shot in an ambush that occurred near his home at Ambum Bridge on Sunday, and is now recovering in hospital.
The prime minister has reminded people that illegal possession of guns carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under tough laws recently passed by Parliament.
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He said he condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the shooting of the returning officer.
Marape said "we do not want unnecessary violence and killings in Enga, and other parts of the Highlands, as was the case in the 2017 General Election.
"I appeal to the people of Enga, other parts of the Highlands and the rest of Papua New Guinea for peace and calm to prevail during the election period."
Marape recently tabled the Firearms Amendment Bill 2022 in Parliament, unanimously supported by all MPs, and carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for the unlawful possession of firearms.