Australia and New Zealand closley monitoring elections

Australia and New Zealand are closely monitoring the 2012 PNG National Elections throughout Papua New Guinea. They have officially deployed a team to monitor the elections as it happens. On the one hand, this of course would be an expected strategic move to answer to the call of the PNG Government, as millions of Australian and New Zealand dollars have been poured into PNG over the years in terms of aid funding. On the other hand the two power players of the Pacific have vested interests and of course feel that they have an 'obligation' to this young and developing nation. Just this week Madang residents witnessed this 'helping hand'as Australian Defence Force Helicopters air lifted across Madang town, electoral boxes which have been deployed to remote parts of the province. Their presence has been at the request of the PNG Government, ensuring that a free, safe and fair election takes place. Election time in Papua New Guinea has, as history has recorded been a very dangerous exercise in parts of the Highlands, with ballot boxes stolen in some cases and potential voters threatended to vote for a particular candidate. It is comforting on the one hand to know that there will be a sense of security with the presence of Australian and New Zealand defence force personal, 250 in all. On the other, saddening that our Papua New Guineans continue to use money, guns and violence to persuade voters. However, this is not a norm for the rest of the country. Polling in all other areas of PNG also takes place with ease and security.