Police officers deployed to maintain security during Tuesday’s Representative By-election in Nimba Electoral District #5 have arrested two community employees for alleged illegal possession of a firearm.

The suspects, Chris Sehkar, cashier of Radio BKS in Buutuo, and Tarkpor Sehwah, head of the station’s online television crew, were apprehended between Nyor Buutuo and Nyor Gomahplay. Police say they were found in possession of a single-barreled shotgun.

Authorities have transferred the two to the Bahn Police Station for further investigation. The motive for carrying the weapon on election day, a tense period in the district, remains unclear.

The Representative By-election in District #5 was triggered by the election of former Representative Samuel Gongben Kogar to the Liberian Senate in April this year. The campaign period leading to today’s poll was marred by several incidents of violence, including a confrontation between supporters of candidates Boris Barlea and Kortor Kwagrue.

Police and election monitors are calling for calm as voting continues, warning against acts that could undermine peace and stability during the electoral process.