POLICE are keeping a watchful eye on campaigns leading up to a peaceful General Election on November 25 and are prepared to take action if the need arises, said Police Commander Chris Kelley yesterday.

While the current political campaigning appeared to be progressing smoothly it had been reported to him that personal tensions between candidates had surfaced, but no violence was involved and no complaints were made, he said.

"Police are keeping a watchful eye on proceedings in the electorates and I will take swift action if the need arises," he said.

On the Election Day uniformed police officers will be deployed at every polling booth in Tonga.

"We have postponed all leave over November and December, except in exceptional welfare cases, to ensure all our resources are available. Our vision is for safer communities and we will make every effort to make your community safe," said Comdr Kelley.

Complaint

Supervisor of Election Pita Vuki told Matangi Tonga Online that he had received one complaint from a voter against a particular candidate, which he did not name, in relation to the distribution of money for votes.

"We have referred the matter to the Crown Law for advice and we have also undertaken to investigate the complaint but no further details were released," said Pita.

In the meantime all 146 candidates remained eligible to run in the election on November 25, since they have passed the registration process on October 21-22.

Investigation

Meanwhile a police officer is under a police investigation for
actively supporting and promoting a candidate over the last three weeks. Cmdr Kelley said he has ordered a police investigation and had placed him under direct supervision until the investigation was completed.

He said it is vital that they, the police remained neutral and impartial in all aspects of this important election process.

"All our staff knows it is an offence under Section 19 of the Police Act 1968 to engage in or participate in political activity," he said.

Penalties under this section could result in dismissal from the police.

"I have taken the step of releasing information about this matter to ensure public confidence in the police is maintained and to advise the public that we are monitoring law and order and we will act quickly if required."

Vandalism

Cmdr Kelley also said one area of concern is wilful damage and vandalising of candidates billboards and they had already seen examples of this.

"Anyone caught damaging or destroying any billboard or hoarding will be charged and brought before the court," he said.

He believed the incident so far was not politically motivated but "rather one of boredom and silly behaviour.

"I have noticed the vandalism while driving around, but there has been no official complaints from candidates themselves," he said.

In central Nuku'alofa one billboard placed near the Mala'ekula and belonging to a candidate Sione Fonua was vandalised during the long weekend.