9 bidding to unseat PM Marape in Tari-Pori
News that matter in Papua New Guinea
9 bidding to unseat PM
Marape in Tari-Pori
PORT MORESBY: At the close of General Election 2022 (GE22)
nominations yesterday (May 26, 2022), nine candidates are bidding to unseat
Prime Minister James Marape in Hela’s Tari-Pori.
This is a significant
drop in challengers from 17 in GE17.
Hela provincial
elections manager John Tipa said 111 candidates were confirmed contesting for
the five seats in Hela at the close of nominations at 4.06pm.
“The new Komo-Hulia seat
registered the highest number of 42 contestants,” he added.
PNG Cyber Monitor reproduces below a few news updates on GE22 as reported by The National:
10-way contest
May 27, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
NINE people are
challenging Prime Minister James Marape for the Tari-Pori seat he holds in
Hela, provincial election manager John Tipa says.
Marape was the ninth candidate to be nominated for the Tari-Pori seat last
Thursday at 2.20pm in front of a big crowd and his papers were confirmed in
order and accepted at 2.27pm.
In 2017, Marape won in an 18-corner contest.
Tipa told The National 111 candidates have nominated to
contest for the five seats in Hela by the 4.06pm deadline yesterday.
He said the new electorate Komo-Hulia open had the highest number of 42
candidates nominating.
“Koroba-Kopiago had the second highest with 29 candidates and Margarima had
only 17 candidates that nominated.
“The provincial seat had only 13 candidates that have nominated to contest.”
He said they expected some hiccups but was pleased that Hela had completed the
seven days of nomination without any issue.
In Nipa, Jessica Onge, a women’s advocate is among 16 candidates who nominated
for the Nipa-Kutubu seat in Southern Highlands.
She will be the first woman to contest the seat. In the National Capital
District, 29 hopefuls nominated for the regional seat, five of whom nominated
on the final day.
Moresby North-East recorded 76 candidates when nominations closed.
There were 77 candidates at close of nominations but one had withdrawn due to
personal reasons.
In Moresby North-West, 27 candidates nominated for this election, 11 short from
2017’s 38 candidates who contested the seat.
At close of nomination three women were in the race Janet Benabo, Anna Bais and
Fai Tukeo.
Incumbent Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko is up against seven others.
Returning officer Gau Toea said only one is a female contesting for the seat.
The Wewak Open seat in East Sepik will see 35 candidates wrestle for the office
against sitting MP Kevin Isifu.
In West New Britain, 93 candidates have been confirmed to participate in the
four electorates.
The provincial seat has 21 candidates, Kandrian-Gloucester with 22, Talasea 32
and Nakanai 18.
For Northern, 46 candidates are contesting the provincial seat while 30 for
Ijivitari. Provincial election manager Daisy Hombogani said 44 candidates had
nominated to contest the Sohe seat while the new Popondetta Open has 46
candidates.
In the 2017 general election, a total of 3,332 candidates nominated with 65
women among them.
The total number of candidates for this year is yet to be officially released
by the Electoral Commission, however a list released yesterday morning showed
2,351 candidates had nominated.
Polling will start on July 2 and end on July 22 with the return of writs
expected before July 29.
Basil Jnr files
nomination
May 27, 2022The NationalMain Stories
HUNDREDS of men, women
and children, clad in black mourning clothes and painted faces, gathered in
Bulolo yesterday to witness Sam Basil Jnr file his nomination papers.
Basil Jnr, son of the late deputy prime minister Sam Basil, is defending the
Bulolo seat for his father and the United Labour Party (ULP).
Basil Jnr was nominated yesterday at 11.23am in the Bulolo district
administration building amid the sounds of blaring vehicle horns on the back of
the crowd chanting his name.
After his nomination was accepted, Basil Jnr thanked the people from the four
local level governments of the newly declared Bulolo – Buang, Mumeng, Bulolo
Urban and Watut.
“Some of you know me, some of you do not, you may be wondering who I am, what
sort of man I am, but I am here, because you called me, you wanted me to
contest so I came to be nominated,” Basil Jnr told the crowd.
Basil Jnr said the Bulolo seat was not his birth right nor that of his family.
“My father did clean campaigning during general elections.
“He never went around smearing other candidates.
“I will act the same in his honour.
“The Bulolo seat is a public seat that anyone can contest for.
“You all must respect the other candidates as it is their right to contest,” he
added. He said his family was still mourning, “so we will carry out a low key
election campaign”.
Former MP urges people to vote wisely
Democratic political leadership is a power of
the people that is vested in members of parliament through the election process
and people must be well informed to elect their leaders in this election, a
former MP says.
Two-time Huon-Gulf MP and now United Labour Party candidate for Morobe’s Huon
Gulf open Tukape Masani said eligible voters needed to be informed and
vigilant.
He said people had to vote for leaders who were vocal on the issues of the
district and province rather than national issues to bring in much needed
services.
Masani urged the people of PNG to vote wisely in the 2022 general election as
this was a critical time for the country.
“Voters must not dance to the music in the spur of the moment and forgot about
their future and that of their children,” Masani said.
“Casting a vote during polling takes less than five minutes.
“The candidates that people vote for can either improve the provision and
delivery of basic government services and infrastructures or let the voters
continue to suffer for the next five years.”
Nominations for Hagen
valid: Court
May 27, 2022The NationalMain Stories
It also ruled that the nominations must be accepted by the duly appointed RO
Wille Ropa.
Justice Derek Hartshorn granted a stay of the National Court’s decision and
interim restraining order against Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai yesterday.
Justice Hartshorn said: “Staying the National Court order and setting aside the
restraining order will allow Sinai to perform his obligated duty authorised to
him by law to conduct general elections for the country and for Hagen Open.”
He further ordered acting RO Noifa to hand over all Hagen open nominations
before 4pm yesterday.
Justice Hartshorn said: “It is not in dispute that Sinai has the constitutional
power and discretion to conduct parliamentary elections.
“These powers are contained in the Constitution, authorising him to perform his
duty as the electoral commissioner.”
Hartshorn said he was satisfied that the balance of the outcome of the decision
out favours a stay order.
“It is in interest of justice that the Court must grant a stay pending the
substantive appeal,” he added.
Sinai’s lawyer Lasen Tangua made the application after Justice Hartshorn
confirmed the affidavit of Attorney-General Pila Niningi authorising Tangua to
represent Sinai.
Tangua said Sinai sought the order because such restraining order had prevented
him from performing his duty under the constitutional right obligated to him.
“He has the authority to appoint and reappoint ROs where he sees fit,” he
added.
Names misspelt in
North-East
May 27, 2022The NationalMain Stories
MORE than 30
candidates who filed their nominations to contest the Moresby North-East seat
did not have their names on the common roll.
Returning officer (RO) Billy George confirmed that these candidates were given
form 11 to fill in order to be allowed to nominate.
George said some of the candidate’s names were either misspelt or were not on
the common roll.
He said two of the candidates’ names were transferred from another electorate
because of the changes in their place of residence.
George said it was part of the process that the team had cleared.
“We had a full team with our data entry officers who ensured that names of
candidates were recorded correctly on the common roll,” he said.
George said the Moresby North-East team from the day they started accepting
nominations last Thursday had noticed candidates’ names missing or wrongly
spelt on the common roll.
With the form 11 copies at hand they were able to assist candidates get their
names on the common roll and spelt correctly.
George said those candidates who did not follow the processes were assisted to
ensure no one was turned away.
He said the candidates were given ample time to ensure all their paper work was
in order for their nomination forms to be accepted and registered.
NCD assistant election manager Rosalyne Tabogani confirmed that there were
candidates without names on the common roll.
She said her team was given copies of form 11 to assist candidates register
their names on the common roll while filing their nomination. A total of 76
candidates, five of them women were confirmed to contest the North-East seat.
North-East records biggest number of
candidates
SEVENTY-SIX candidates
will contest the Moresby North-East seat in the general election.
At the close of nominations yesterday, there were 77 candidates but one had
withdrawn due to personal reasons.
North-East returning officer (RO) Billy George told The National that they had
a record number of candidates turning up beyond the 55 mark in the 2017
election.
He said even at about 3.30pm with half an hour before the official close of
nominations five candidates were in the queue.
George said his team ensured all candidates nominations were accepted and
registered before the closing time of 4pm.
“We have recorded the largest number of candidates in the whole of NCD,” he
said.
“It was a quiet polling period and we were happy to accept the candidates that
came forward with their nominations.
“Except for one that withdrew at the last minute, all candidates went well in
filing their nominations. Some came with incomplete processes but we guided
them and ensured they filed their nominations,” George said.
He said nominations for Moresby North-East seat started with 35 candidates on
the first day then each day the numbers kept coming in until the final day
yesterday.
George said candidates realised that time was running out and they lined up
with their supporters at the last minute to ensure they got in.
“From our observations of the turnout of candidates, we knew this time
North-East would break the record,” he said.
George said there were five women and 71 men who filed their nominations. He
said the drawing of names would take place today at the NCD Electoral office in
Boroko.
“After the names are drawn and candidate numbers confirmed today then the
campaign period will commence.”
Pangu Pati nominates seven women
By REBECCA KUKU
A TOTAL of seven women
have nominated under Pangu Pati to contest in this year’s general election.
Party secretary Morris Tovaeba said the women candidates endorsed by Pangu had
nominated to contest the Milne Bay and NCD Regional seats, as well as the
Henganofi, Hiri-Koiari and Alotau open seats.
“Jennifer Rudd will be contesting for the Milne Bay provincial, Lucielle Paru
for the NCD regional seat and Samoa Rage for the Hiri Koiari open,” he said.
“Mofa Giheno for the Henganofi open, Natasha Panta for the Alotau open and
another two that I will have to check and confirm.”
Tovaeba said that in total Pangu had endorsed 80 candidates contesting in the
election, 14 were sitting Members of Parliament, 66 were new candidates of
which seven were women.
“Most of our candidates have already nominated and we look forward to the start
of campaign period, but so far we are happy to see the support for the Pangu
Party, from the islands to highlands and down to the coast, the show of
confidence and support to the party has been overwhelming,” he said.
Tovaeba said that Pangu was here to stay and had been around for a long time.
Eight registered for Moresby South seat:
Officer
By JAMIE HARO
EIGHT candidates have
registered so far for the Moresby South open for the 2022 general election, an
official says.
Returning officer (RO) for the electorate, Gau Toea said of the nominations
filed only one was a female.
He said since the nominations began last Thursday (May 19), four candidates
were nominated including incumbent MP Justin Tkatchenko, while one registered
the following day.
“Since Friday, we had only five in total who showed up to be nominated, by the
weekend there was no show of interests until Wednesday of this week when we
received two additional candidates,” he said.
Toea said the candidates who nominated for the Moresby South electorate
included incumbent MP Justin Tkatchenko (Social Democratic Party), Charles
Kassman (People’s National Congress), Samson Kirilyo (Triumph Heritage
Empowerment Party), Michelle Hau’ofa (People’s Party), Peter Ilau (Melanesian
Alliance Party), while John Cameron Peni and Paul Kei nominated as independent
candidates. The latest addition (yet to be identified) made an appearance to be
nominated around 4pm yesterday.
Toea said Moresby South would conduct its order of draw today.
He said this is the only requirement candidates have been waiting for since
they were nominated.
“Straight after the order of draw, we will prepare for the polling period again
while candidates are given ample time to conduct their campaigns.”
Toea added that they were looking to allocate teams to set up at locations in
the electorate during the polling period.
NCD to draw numbers
May 27, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
DRAWING of candidate
numbers for the National Capital District regional seat is expected to take
place this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
NCD provincial returning officer Kila Ralai said the same was expected to be
done for the other seats – Moresby North-West, Moresby South and Moresby
North-West.
A total of 29 hopefuls, nominated for the regional seat, five of whom placed
nominations on the final day with the final candidate filing just before
3.53pm.
“Overall the nominations for the last seven days ran smoothly, there were some
days when crowd control could have been better maintained but other than that,
we’re looking forward for the order of draw to be the same,” Ralai said.
He said of the 29, 11 candidates are affiliated with parties while the other 18
are running independent.
All three females are endorsed by political parties with incumbent
parliamentary leaders – Sylvia Pascoe (People’s Party), Lucille Paru (Pangu)
and Patrina Dikin (Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party).
Notable crowd favourites are incumbent Governor Powes Parkop running under his
Social Democratic Party, former governor Wari Vele under People’s Labour Party,
Steven Kilage under United Labour Party, independent candidates Ben Dangima and
Fred Yakasa and Pascoe under the People’s Party.
Occupations of contestants range from teachers, farmers, consultants and
advisers, lawyers, doctors, businessmen, to a pilot, two experienced police
officers and a driver.
Rallies can be done however, campaigning cannot begin until candidates draw
which solely depends on the discretion of the returning officer to select a
senior official from either the Electoral Commission or the NCD Commission,
Ralai said.
Before the draws can be done, the NCD election team will be checking forms
submitted during nomination to ensure forms 29, 23 and 30 (if they are endorsed
by a political party) with deposit slips and passport photos all attached.
27 nominees vying for North-West
By LULU MARK
AT the 4pm close of
nomination yesterday 27 candidates are vying for the Moresby North-West seat of
which three are women, according to the returning officer Vincent Manukayasi.
He said the nominations were 11 short of the 2017 election number were there were
38 candidates including four women.
Last Thursday the 11 nominations were: Desmond Yaninen (independent), Isaac
Lupari (independent), Joe Tonde (United Labour Party), Dr Thaddeus Kambanei
(People’s National Congress), Jackson Kiakari (independent), Anna Bais
(People’s Party), Mefu Kerekere (independent), Memafu Kapera (PNG Party), Allan
Nanguromo (independent) and Mathew Malingi (independent).
The only nomination on Friday was of popular singer Anslom Nakikus, running as
an independent.
The two nominations on Monday were of Fai Tukeo and Larry Patterson Kila
(independent).
Ross Oromiva (independent) was the only nomination on Wednesday.
Yesterday the 10 nominations were: Leo Morris Morauta Levo (National Alliance),
Theodore Dambe Takpe (independent), David Dotaona (independent), Andy Tepra
(independent), John Emmanuel Kian (independent), Freddy Korakali (independent),
Walter Yangomina (independent), Segie Otio (PNG Country Party), Janet Benabo
and Michael Oki (independent).
Manukayasi said the order of the draw where the candidates would get their box
numbers would take place at the Sir John Guise Stadium today starting at 9am.
Candidates not allowed to nominate in other
electorates
Follow traffic rules … Deputy Commissioner of Police for Operations Anton Billie says supporters of candidates should abide by traffic rules during the general election period. “Supporters of candidates and the public get so excited during nomination and campaign periods and road accidents have happened in the past.” Pictured is an over-loaded truck during the final day of nominations in Wewak, East Sepik, yesterday.
By HELEN TARAWA
NATIONAL Capital
District election manager Kila Ralai says returning officers will not accept
nominations for other provinces.
Ralai said this in response to reports of a candidate from the Highlands region
who turned up at the Moresby North-East nomination site yesterday to file his
nomination for a seat in his province.
Ralai said this was not allowed.
“I only look after NCD and candidates vying for these seats are accepted not
others from the other provinces,” he said.
“It’s a different case and we have referred the matter to the head office,”
Ralai added.
Moresby North-East returning officer Billy George told The National that
a certain candidate had run out of time to travel to his province to file his
nomination and had approached his team.
“We understand this is not possible and it is not allowed so we referred the
candidate to the PNG Electoral Commission headquarters to get a clarification,”
George said.
He said this was the first time that such a case had been brought to their
notice.
George explained that only candidates for Moresby North-East seats were
accepted.
He said they did not want to turn away anyone but this was a different case
that was not within their jurisdiction to address.
“Moresby North-East is a big electorate with a large population and we were
expecting more candidates to nominate in this election,” George said.
He said a total of 77 candidates had filed nominations for North-East however,
one had withdrawn.
George said out of the 76 candidates, five were women.
He said the candidate names would be drawn today at the NCD Electoral Office in
Boroko.
Candidate: Elections
are expensive
May 27, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
Somare-Brash, who is the only female candidate contesting the Angoram Open in
East Sepik, said: “I have raised funds myself (without the banner of a
political party) for fuel, my camps, security, my logistics (riverine, maritime
and land).
“I need funds for allowances for my 20-plus coordinators.
“I have reached out to my network for support for my campaign with merchandise,
food supplies, hardware goods, medicines and freight costs.
Somare-Brash, who is the daughter of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare,
said she had worked hard earlier through consulting contracts which she used to
save money.
“On the trail now I run several vehicles simultaneously and I need
contingencies for hire cars and boats with petrol engines.
“I have spent a significant amount of my resources on fuel (petrol) alone for
the extensive travel required to cover the river and maritime areas of our
district.
“The road components then require an endless supply of diesel, manpower, and
food supplies.
“The campaign has just started and many hundreds of supporters expect financial
support in return for electoral support.
“This is the cancer killing service delivery and socioeconomic development in
our constituencies.”
Somare-Brash said many candidates, including incumbent members of parliament,
feared electoral defeat so they succumbed to the pressure to effectively
inducing large groups of people.
She said that such illegal behaviour was rampant among the wealthier and
powerful candidates.
Former female cop to contest
Patrina Dikin
THE founder of police
Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU), retired Inspector Patrina Dikin has
been nominated to contest in the National Capital District regional seat.
“I am contesting because I understand the plight of women and I want to do
something about the problem in the Government leadership,” she said after
submitting her nomination papers yesterday.
“I have a dream for women and children.
“There are so many children left unattended.
“They are displaced and have no sense of identity.
“The problems of women and children have been ignored for far too long.
“It was never my intention to participate in politics but the people saw how I
handled gender-based violence crime, so I decided to respond to their call.”
Patrina said it was the right time for her to venture into politics following
the police corporate plan (2022-30) that targeted community partnership.”
Patrina is contesting on a Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party ticket.
Sole female candidate for Nipa
Imbonggu welcomes Undi
… Komoli locals welcoming lone woman candidate for the Southern Highlands
Regional seat, Ruth Undi. Undi, an Independent candidate, was acknowledged by
the hosts as the only Imbonggu woman to be nominated for the seat. She visited
Sir Wiwa Korowi, former SHP governor and former governor-general at Kaupena,
Imbonggu, this week. Undi is a businesswoman and founder of the Mama Helpim
Mama Foundation, an organisation that supports women empowerment through
small-to-medium enterprise skills and leadership training. She is a great
supporter of women’s empowerment and the growth of Papua New Guinean
entrepreneurs. – Picture supplied
JESSICA Onge, a
women’s advocate was among 14 candidates who nominated for the Nipa-Kutubu seat
in Southern Highlands last Thursday.
Returning officer Felix Kindup told The National that as off
Wednesday, a total of 16 candidates had been nominated at the Nipa district
office.
He said Onge was the first woman to contest the seat.
He said more than 5,000 people gathered to witness the nomination of the
candidates, some in traditional attire and others in political party colours.
Kindup said four of the candidates affiliated to political parties were
incumbent MP Jeffery Komal (People’s National Congress), Luke Simon Akop
(United Labour Party), Dr Billy Joseph (Social Democratic Party) and Kopol Kang
(Liberal Party).
He said former provincial education adviser Che Mepio and former community
development adviser Kang were among candidates who were contesting the seat.
Kindup also acknowledged supporters for their good behaviour.
Meanwhile, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (western end) John Kale
warned candidates to refrain from mobilising their supporters and instigating
trouble during the election period.
He urged the candidates to practice good leadership by getting their supporters
to behave.
Female engineer eyes Morobe regional seat
By JACINTA COHLEE
A FEMALE electrical
engineer, Fingkewe Zurenuoc, is contesting the Morobe regional seat based on
three pillars of service delivery, financial independence and integral human
development.
Going into the race as an independent candidate Fingkewe said: “I want to hold
onto my issues and integrity, so I won’t be joining any party where they might
force me to do things that will be against my principles and beliefs.”
She said service delivery is her biggest component.
“It’s obvious not much has been done on service delivery in Papua New Guinea.
With my background as an engineer, I can deliver.
“Financial Independent, Morobe can do that. The province is able to raise its
own funds because we access every piece of transport; land, air and sea. We are
an industrial city, we have minerals and resources from the highlands to the
coast of Morobe.
“Integral human development, Morobe needs my third pillar. Citizens and youths
are not showing respect to societies and the communities. These small things
matter and will be a major contributing factor to the development if it is
looked at,” elaborated Fingkere.
She added there was a deep disintegration in society where Lae City need to be
cleaned up before we will take back Morobe.
She said she would be fighting for what she thought was to be right under her
three pillars as an Independent candidate, if she is given a chance.
Diplomat Dusava to
contest
May 27, 2022The NationalMain Stories
“In the last 10 years, we have seen a total disintegration of respect, dignity
and non-inclusion of our people in decisions that affect their land and its
use.
“I want to restore the engaging spirit of Yangoru-Saussia,” he said after
submitting his nomination papers to contest in the district in teh 2022 general
election.
“Yangoru-Saussia society has always been deeply rooted in tradition and
customs, respect and integrity of leadership which are openly discussed and
recognised in the Rambu/man’s house or expressed at the Kumainge, the
playground by recognised ‘bigmen’ (tribal or clan leaders).
“The decisions in the community are, therefore, based on consultation and
consensus.
“This process must be respected and adopted in the modern 21st Century
leadership here.
“This tokples (district language) or other custom or
traditional ways of communications and dialogue, including songs in the tokples
and expressions of Yangoru-Saussia arts, such as in the making of Wurus/bilum must
be retained and taught in specific cultural centres in the district.
“None of such centre has been established in the last 10 years, despite calls
for such centres to be funded and built.
“I am determined to restore true Yangoru-Saussia leadership and set up a fund
for the promotion of Yangoru-Saussia arts and culture centres.”
Police HQ ready for elections
Perou N’dranou
THE Ralum police
headquarters is now operation as New Guinea Islands (NGI) prepare for the
general election polling and counting from July 2 to July 29.
NGI commander Assistant Commissioner Perou N’dranou said at the opening of the
headquarters on Wednesday that the command centre would cover East New
Britain’s Kokopo, West New Britain, Manus and New Ireland.
“We want to make ensure the election is free from violence and other election-
related offences,” he added.
N’dranou also said the provincial commanders would submit their updated
election reports to the headquarters’ command centre.
West New Britain commander Chief Inspector John Allan Tara said the
establishment of the command centre was a good start for all and “we are
looking forward to start submitting our reports starting Wednesday”.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 security personnel will be deployed in NGI for GE22.
Mobile squad 17 and 18 from Tomaringa barracks will be deployed to West New
Britain, New Ireland and Manus.
Journalist ventures into politics to bring change to Gulf
Lino left speechless …
People from all corners of Enga flocked to Wabag yesterday to show their
support for incumbent Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom. Tom was speechless as he stood on
the stage seeing them singing, dancing and chanting in the sun. He told the
people that the future of Wabag depended on quality education and better health
services, which he stood for. Lino added that the country would prosper when
leaders were honest in leading the very people who gave them the mandate.
JOURNALIST and sports administrator Martin
Liri has been nominated to contest the Gulf provincial seat as an Independent.
From Lese Kavora, the 56-year-old former secondary school teacher called on
Papua New Guineans to exercise great care when casting their ballots from July
2 to 22.
Liri filed his nomination papers in Kerema on Wednesday, supported by relatives
and others who want change in Gulf.
Liri got closer to the workings of politics when he served as the executive
officer to Kagua-Erave MP Wesley Raminai, who was Sports vice-minister.
When Raminai was promoted to Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
& Sports Minister, Liri was elevated to second secretary and networking
with Government agencies was his primary task.
“It is quite a daunting task trying to enter politics if one does not have
political party support which is critical, especially for funding purposes in
an environment where it is quite expensive,” he said.
“But I am grateful for funding from friends and hopeful of further support as
we enter the campaign period.
“One of the pillars of journalism, is among others, to advocate for
improvements in the lives of our people through our writing, our commentaries,
our involvement with groups advocating for similar objectives.
“Our aim (as journalists) is to highlight issues and call on relevant
Government and private agencies to take serious efforts to correct things.
“In most cases than not, the political leadership becomes the go-to source to
get relevant interventions moving.
“However it gets to a stage where if the advocacy is ineffective, other options
become available, like venturing into politics to get into the leadership
space.
“Should we demand a lot more effectiveness in how Government allocated funds
available for development purposes are being expanded, and mostly importantly
if other developmental initiatives funded through other foreign agencies are
being sourced to support an already fully-stretched budget.”
Judge: Respect the
uniform
May 27, 2022The
NationalNational
A JUDGE has called on
security personnel involved in the 2022 general election to respect the uniform
they wear and not bring their forces into disrepute.
President of the National and Supreme Court Judges Justice Panuel Mogish made
the call in Goroka on Monday while addressing members of the Police and
Correctional Services during a parade staged to welcome the Supreme Court in
Goroka this week.
“Members of the disciplined force, you have a huge role to play in this
election, many allegations have always been levelled against you for bribery
and corruption,” he said.
“The uniform you wear does not come from your mother and father, it comes from
the Government of PNG, from the tax payer.
“When you wear the uniform, wear it with pride and be on top of everything.
“If anyone wants to corrupt you, must say ‘no’ and your actions must educate
the people.”
Justice Mogish said members of the Police, Correctional Services and the
Defence Force had a vital role to play during the elections to ensuring it was
safe, fair and free.
He also called on the people, especially voters and supporters of candidates,
to respect members of the security force and cooperate with them to have
peaceful elections.
Judges of the National and Supreme Courts decided to have Supreme Court
sittings in provinces instead of sitting in Waigani only.
Justice Mogish said Supreme Courts had already held in Kokopo, Kimbe, Alotau
and this week it would be in the Eastern Highlands capital.
He said sittings would also be held in other provinces.
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