Fighting has erupted in Mendi Town after it was alleged that ballot boxes for the Southern Highlands Regional seat were burnt at 3am yesterday morning.
It is also alleged that the combatants are supporters of various regional candidates and those of sitting Governor William Powi.
Due to the sporadic fighting in town, schools were closed down and students sent home.
According to Mendi Secondary School Principle, Mr. Paias Mario advised that fighting erupted between both factions at 8am yesterday morning.
“Roads were blocked and half of the number of students were present for classes, so I had to suspend classes so I was fortunate enough to send students home,” Mr. Mario said.
He also stated that he was concerned for the safety of the teachers in the school premises and is standing by with his staff in the school grounds.
The Mendi School is just a kilometer away from the fighting and staff of the school are hoping that they do not get pulled into the violence.
He added that should the school be under attack he will seek assistance from the Provincial Police Commander to extract them from the school.
He said that security personnel are on the ground but are keeping watch over government buildings and the airport.
At the moment they are not sure how long the fighting will go on, but there a unconfirmed reports that there have been eight deaths and half a dozen houses have been burnt down.
There has yet to be an official statement on these numbers.