Army moves in to the Highlands to beef up GE22 security
News that matter in Papua New Guinea
Army moves in to the
Highlands to beef up GE22 security
PORT MORESBY: Security in the Highlands for General
Election 2022 (GE22) has been strengthened with the deployment of two Papua New
Guinea Defence Force companies, army commander Major-General Mark Goina says.
“We have deployed about
200 soldiers since April 1 to Hela and and a platoon (about 30 soldiers) each
Enga and Western Highlands,” he said.
Goina said the the
deployment was done ahead of GE22 due to security instability in the
Highlands,” he added.
In Chimbu, Kerowagi MP
Bari Palma escaped unhurt after he was attacked by a crowd on Thursday (May 19,
2022), the first day of GE22 nominations.
Police are yet to
comment on the incident.
Chimbu returning officer
Rev Tom Sine confirmed that “there was a disruption at Kerowagi last week when
Palma went to file his nominations but it was resolved yesterday”.
PNG Cyber Monitor reproduces below a few news updates n GE22 as reported by The National:
Soldiers deployed
May 25, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
SECURITY in the
Highlands have been strengthened with the deployment of soldiers from two
companies for the 2022 general election, PNG Defence Force Commander
Major-General Mark Goina says.
The companies, of about 200 soldiers, were deployed since last month for
security purposes and preparations for the election.
“We deployed two companies since April 1 to the Highlands – one in Hela and a
platoon (about 30 soldiers) each in Enga and Western Highlands,” he said.
Goina told The National that the deployment was done ahead of
the election due to security instability in the Highlands.
“One company (about 90 soldiers) has been deployed to support Exxon Mobil at
the LNG site, with additional troops deployed for security stability in Tari
after police residence were burnt down, a platoon was deployed to Porgera
following the ethnic clash at the mine site and the recent clash in Mt Hagen,”
he said. The Government last week declared a state of emergency (SoE) in
Porgera due to the ongoing trial fight that has claimed 20 lives.
The SoE will be in force until December.
Goina said PNGDF would be supporting police to help the Electoral Commission
conduct the election. In terms of logistic support, he said they had expended
40 per cent of the funds they received to service providers.
He said the remaining funds would be used to secure accommodation and hire
vehicles.
Goina added that in the next few days, they would deploy personnel to the Highlands
and other parts of the country before polling begins.
Also in Chimbu, Kerowagi MP Bari Palma escaped unhurt after he was allegedly
attacked by a crowd on Thursday.
Police are yet to comment on the incident.
Chimbu returning officer Rev Tom Sine yesterday confirmed that “there was a
disruption at Kerowagi last week when Palma went to nominate” but it was solved
yesterday.
Return Pangu Pati, PM
urges voters
May 25, 2022The NationalMain Stories
PRIME Minister James
Marape says his Pangu Pati has been around since 1964 and that it is here to
stay in Papua New Guinean politics.
“We are fielding 80 candidates nationwide to contest in general election 2022
and we are confident of winning significantly,” he added. Marape, who will be
defending Tari-Pori seat, said the supporters’ turnout for Pangu Pati at the
nomination centres for Momase, New Guinea Islands, Highlands and the Southern
had been “great”.
“I am confident that the return of election writs will follow with an
invitation for Pangu Pati to form the new Government,” he added.
Marape, who addressed a crowd in Tari Station last week, called on Papua New
Guineans to support and vote for party candidates nationwide.
“Your ballots will decide who forms the Government.
“If you want Pangu to continue and finish what we started, then return us to
the 11th Parliament,” he added.
THE party aims to fight corruption
THE Triumph Heritage
Empowerment (THE) party will hold hands with other political parties committed
to fighting corruption in the country, says party leader and Kandep MP Don
Polye.
“We have to cleanse this country of corruption, establish some decency, be
true, be honest, be fair and be just in governance and in leadership,” he said.
“That is the kind of mindset from others that THE party would be standing with
on the floor of Parliament to form the next government.”
Polye added that THE’s campaign platform and focus for this election was to
eradicate corruption and transform the country to ensure it could reach its potential.
He said while completely eradicating corruption was impossible, there were
solutions and policies that had to be in place to combat corruption in all its
facets.
This would be the new normal for his party – to eradicate corruption.
He said his party was looking to endorse 25 to 35 candidates for the 2022
General Election.
Polye said they would be endorsing only one woman candidate who would be
contesting the Alotau open seat.
“She is Limai Valerie Tomali, who was an administrative staff with the party,
who is very familiar with the party’s policies and I will be in Alotau to
campaign for her,” he said.
He also said in 2012, the party had endorsed three female candidates who won
under the party but later moved to join other parties when THE party moved to
the Opposition.
“They were Julie Soso, former Eastern Highlands Governor, Loujaya Kouza, former
Lae Open MP and Delilah Gore, former Sohe MP and Minister for Community
Development.”
All three women lost in the 2017 general election.
Candidates told to be mindful of LPV system
INTENDING candidates should be mindful of the
limited preferential voting (LPV) system introduced by the Electoral
Commission, an official says.
West New Britain (WNB) provincial returning officer Emily Kelton said
candidates needed to consider second and third preferences as well as these
would decide eventual winners once the counting and elimination process
started.
“Candidates have to be mindful that supporters’ number one votes will not make
them win instead through the LPV system the votes of two and three count,” she
said.
She urged them to use the LPV system in their campaigns as that would be the
system used during the counting period.
Wrapping up day six of nominations yesterday, Kelton said a total of 67
candidates had registered for the province’s four seats – WNB regional,
Talasea, Kandrian-Gloucester and Nakani.
“So far 13 have nominated to contest the Nakanai open, 25 for Talasea, 17 for
Kandrian-Gloucester 17 and 12 for the regional seat,” she said.
Kelton said only two women have registered so far in the province with one
contesting the Talasea open and the other for the regional seat.
The nomination period has seen supporters accompanying their candidates in
large numbers with some having traditional dancers performing at the Bernard
Vogae Memorial Park.
Kelton said nominations would continue today and would end tomorrow.
Vote parties: Ralai
WITH the large number
of political parties and candidates for this year’s general election, people
need to make choices based on party policies, National Capital District
election manager Kila Ralai says.
He said this in reference to the opening day of nominations on Thursday (May
19) and in the days since heading to the close of nominations tomorrow.
“Given the number of registered political parties in the country, people should
be voting candidates on their policies, whether independent or with a party and
not for their standing or how much wealth they can bring,” he said.
“We still expect to see some more candidates over the next two days (today and
tomorrow) until polls close but we must change our way of voting for leaders.”
There are now 20 candidates vying for the governor’s seat in the National
Capital District, more than the number that ran in 2017, while the Moresby
North-East seat had the most so far with 48 nominations. As of yesterday,
Moresby North East saw an additional candidate nominate; two for Moresby
North-West seat bringing that total to 16 while Moresby South’s nominations
remained at five.
Moresby South returning officer Tau Toea said he expected this number to be the
final tally at the deadline for nominations tomorrow.
Meanwhile, there are three women running for the National Capital District regional
seat; two for Moresby North-West; four for Moresby North-East; and, one for
Moresby South bringing the total tally to 10 women who are running for office
in the nation’s capital.
The nominations will close tomorrow.
Church facilities ‘out
of bounds’
May 25, 2022The NationalMain Stories
Catholic church
facilities are not to be used for campaigns, the Catholic Bishops Conference
(CBC) of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands has instructed.
CBC president and Archbishop of Madang Anton Bal said parishes must not allow
political campaigns in church facilities, including in its schools and health
centres.
“Politics come and go,” he said.
“They are seasonal events, but those services are there to still support our
people after elections.
“Other public utilities, such as roads, bridges, public vehicles, and
transportation must also be respected at all costs.
“They are there to help us make our life go on smoothly.
“We know from previous elections and after elections, that there were social
disorder and destruction.
“We had times of hunger, increase of people with HIV/AIDS, children without
proper parents, family breakdown, school fee problems etc.
“We shouldn’t forget that we have to keep our human dignity in high esteem and
practice proper moral conducts.”
Bal said politics was a part of every human person’s life, but it should always
be guided by the principles of honesty, transparency and good moral conduct.
“Lay church workers have the right to stand for elections as candidates,
support and vote for candidates they believe are in good standing in the
society, who could contribute positively to the development of the people and
the country as a whole,” he said.
“However, to maintain the independence and integrity of the church, we advise
that active and full-time church workers voluntarily step aside from their
active ministry during the time of the campaign and election period.
“This separation is not because politics is bad and evil but rather because the
practice of politics in Papua New Guinea naturally divides people, which is
against the church’s principle of unity.”
Bal also called on citizens to use this opportunity and privilege as people of
a democratic nation to support parties and candidates who have good moral
conducts, good family life and good political platforms, not because they were
family members, tribal members or associates.
Candidate for Morobe seat focuses on
self-reliance
Peoples Movement for
Change candidate for Morobe regional Jennifer Baing (second left) during her
nomination in Lae. – Nationalpic by EHEYUC SESERUSAVE PNG’s executive
director Jennifer Baing says a competent Government is one that helps Papua New
Guineans become self-reliant.
“That should be the focus to forward communities and the country,” the
non-government organisation (NGO) woman leader said.
Jennifer, 42, who is contesting for the Morobe regional seat, said working with
the people and communities as business partners should, therefore, be the
strategy to achieve what was needed.
She is standing on a People’s Movement for Change ticket in general election.
The party is led by incumbent Northern Governor Gary Juffa.
Jennifer said: “Leaders are expected to work with the people to work their land
and sea to earn good money.
“Agriculture, fisheries and renewable resources, such as carbon trading, can help
raise the income of Morobe.
“We should also create a safe and secure business environment for local and
foreign investors to invest in the province, thereby increasing job
opportunities for the people.”
Lone woman puts hand up to contest SHP
governor’s seat
Ruth UndiBy PETER WARI
RUTH Undi was the only woman among 13 candidates who nominated for the Southern
Highlands regional seat in Mendi last Thursday.
Undi joined her male counterparts to appeal to their supporters for a peaceful
general election as the previous election had experienced violence.
As expected, the provincial capital saw an influx of vehicles loaded with
supporters of the candidates front up at the Mendi police station for the
nominations.
The candidates came with their witnesses and were nominated with the process
facilitated by election manager Jimmy Alwin and other officials.
The candidates were allowed time to address the people after nominating.
Businesswoman Undi was the first to be nominated and was followed by former
chairman of PNG Power Peter Nupiri, former Nipa-Kutibu MP Philemon Embel,
Governor William Powi, Joseph
Kobol, Alfred Walne, Bernard Kaku, Augustine Rapa, Alex Awesa, Jerry Kiwai,
Steven Evekone,
Junior Tol and musician Augustine Emil.
Rookie contestant anxious but excited for city
race
By LULU MAGINDE
BUSINESSWOMAN, working mum and candidate for the National Capital District
regional (NCD) seat, Sylvia Pascoe, says as a first time contender, she is
anxious but excited for what is to come.
“I really enjoy talking to people, it’s what I’m looking forward to the most.
When we were doing party awareness, I really enjoyed meeting different groups
of people, talking to them, finding out what’s actually going on,” she said.
“I am a hardworking person, I raise my daughter, run my business and am
campaigning all at the same time and it’s all good, it’s just like a normal day
to me.”
Crediting her work life for crafting her skills in politics, Pascoe said that
as she was in the business of events, things did not feel too foreign to her.
On being a member of Sir Peter Ipatas’ The People’s Party, she said she was
drawn to the party’s values of putting people first and it had a track record
as seen in how Enga was administered.
“The plan is to get right into campaigning starting by connecting with the
people,” she said.
“If I could be the ‘Governor Ipatas’ of Port Moresby, then I believe we’re
going to help fix this city.
“The things that I’m talking about resonate with a lot of people, it doesn’t
matter what part of the city you live in.
Wong up against 21
candidates
May 25, 2022The NationalMain Stories
The two women are Theonila Wat (Advanced PNG Party) and Independent Kathleen
Midal Kunai.
Theonila said every woman had the right to contest in general election because
it was their democratic right.
“Parliament belongs to both genders and nothing will stop us from contesting,”
the nurse, who retired in 2016, said.
“Leadership is in-built in every individual, and the country needs women to
balance decision-makings.
“We keep on emphasising on gender equality but it is time we consider women as
leaders as well.”
Gazelle election returning officer John Wartovo said it was heartening to see
candidates and supporters behaving themselves during nominations.
“It is a good sign moving forward,” he said.
“The first week of nominations went very well.
“Every candidate did a good job on filling and submitting their nomination
forms.
“It makes our job easier and fast to accept the nominations.”
Meanwhile, Kokopo registered 19 candidates, Rabaul eight and Pomio five.
More nominations are expected to be submitted this week.
Powi confident of retaining governorship
By PETER WARI
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor William Powi says he had many half-completed
projects for the people to deliver.
“I was unable to settle down after General Election 2017 political mayhem,
bogged down by continuous court battles,” he said.
However, after nomination on Thursday, Powi said he was confident of retaining
his seat in this year’s election after seeing a huge turnout of supporters.
Provincial executive council members also contributed K50 each and paid his
nomination fee which Powi described as a “morale boost” and welcomed challenge
from other intending regional candidates.
“I call on my supporters to change their attitude and let people exercise their
democratic rights to cast their ballots,” he said.
Stay away from
politics: Adviser
May 25, 2022The NationalMain Stories
TEACHERS in Southern Highlands have been directed by provincial education
adviser, Mark Push not to be involved as polling and counting officials in the
general election.
In a circular endorsed by provincial administrator Jerry David, Push told all
teachers not to be involved in any election related programmes.
“Teachers will not apply to PNG Electoral Commission Mendi Office to be engaged
as one of the polling or counting officials,” he said.
Push said the involvement of teachers in past elections have badly affected the
class schedules and resulted in poor performance by students and schools.
He said head teachers and governing boards from the respective schools were
instructed not to use school facilities for hosting campaign rallies, or to use
any type of school asset such as public address systems.
He said if the equipment was allowed for use then it had to be hired and
returned on time and in good condition.
Push added that students were not allowed to be involved directly in any
campaign programmes such as rallies, campaigns and any election related
activities especially on school days.
He said students who breached this directive needed to be disciplined by their
schools.
He said any act against the directive was to be reported.
Election should not interrupt learning: Uguro
Students should not be
participating in political rallies. Students and teachers who are eligible to
vote will only do so during polling and teachers who are involved as polling
and counting officials would be released. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI
By YVONNE KAMBIBEL
EDUCATION minister Jimmy Uguro says students’ learning should not be
interrupted by election related activities.
“Parents, guardians and teachers should ensure that students are in class and
not taking part in election related activities as that would distract them from
their studies,” he said.
Uguro made this comments in response to questions raised by The National that
too many students have been seen at nomination venues and rallies during school
times since last week.
He said the Education Department has issued circulars prior to the issue of
writs that only those students who are eligible to vote can be excused from
class during the polling period, while the rest should remain in school.
“For schools in the National Capital District, everything is happening in the
city and if the crowd is noisy and disturbing, obviously students and teachers
can be interrupted.”
The minister said there could be other factors that are attracting students to
leave classes and join their families and other grown-ups at gatherings.
Official: Do not involve in campaigns
THE New Ireland education board has restricted
all teachers and students from participating in public gatherings or political
rallies during the general election period.
Provincial education adviser Apelis Benson told The National the
restrictions were set following numerous circulations from the Education
Department and the latest joint circular with the Teaching Service Commission
(TSC).
Meanwhile, school principals, head teachers and school board chairmen in East
New Britain have been warned not to allow any intending candidates to use
school facilities to conduct their campaign rallies.
ENB provincial education board chairman Wilson Matava said school facilities
and equipment were only for students and could not be used for other purposes.
“Instructions and warnings have been given out to all schools not to allow any
of their school facilities such as halls, classrooms or playgrounds to be used
for election purposes,” Matava said.
While issuing this warning, he also urged the newly appointed members of the
PEB to remain neutral as agents of the state to ensure that all education
institutions are protected during the time of the general election.
Lupari: I will bring
change
May 25, 2022The NationalMain Stories
FORMER chief secretary
Isaac Lupari wants to get into politics so he can participate directly at the
highest level of decision making in the country.
Lupari filed his nomination to contest the Moresby North-West seat on Monday
saying he had lived for more than 40 years in the National Capital District and
had seen the decline of service delivery.
“I worked as a public servant under six prime ministers only as an adviser but
couldn’t have direct influence on the decisions for the people,” he said.
“I was only a servant and had no say over the decisions, now I want to get into
Parliament so I can make decisions that will help the people.”
Lupari, 58, from Enga has lived in Port Moresby since 1983 and holds a Bachelor
of Economics degree from the University of PNG (1986).
He has a post-graduate diploma in Development Economics, a Masters in
International Economics, a post graduate certificate in loan and finance
negations and post graduate certificate in project planning.
He worked with the following government departments, National Planning,
Finance, Treasury, Defence, Works, Transport and Civil Aviation and Personnel
Management.
He was ambassador to the European Union and Belgium and World Trade
organisations.
He was chief secretary for the Prime Minister and NEC under former prime ministers
Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Peter O’Neill, and James Marape.
Lupari left the public service in 2020 when the chief secretary’s position was
abolished by the government.
“I decided to contest for Moresby North-West seat because the electorate comprises
of people from the 22 provinces so it’s more like the whole of PNG there.
“There is a decline in services and I want to get into that highest decision
making level to make a difference,” he said.
Protecting women is Yakasa’s priority
Candidate for NCD
regional Fred Yakasa (middle) holding hands with Engan traditional dancers
after being nominated as an independent candidate at the Sir John Guise Stadium
on Monday. – Nationalpic by NICKY BERNARD.
By LULU MAGINDE
A FORMER senior police
officer has made protecting women a focus of his campaign heading into the 2022
general election.
Former acting Deputy Police Commissioner of Operations for National Capital
District, Fred Yakasa, said at his nomination for the NCD regional seat
yesterday that women were “institutions” that needed to be protected.
“I’ve put in a lot of initiative into improving law and order in the city when
I was the metropolitan chief superintendent from 2006 to 2010, but some of
these initiatives like the Family and Sexual Violence Unit which I created,
have not been adequately supported,” he said.
The former high commissioner to Solomon Islands added that he was frustrated by
the level of corruption in the country and the only way to combat it was through
investing in the law and justice sector.
“Law and order is paramount and contributes meaningfully to progress in terms
of the economic development, but sadly we don’t realise this nor are we
prioritising it.”
Outlining corruption, law and order and social services as his three key
policies, Yakasa pointed out that the government needed to be able to provide
basic services such as access to clean running water along with stocked and
functioning aid posts and enough teachers and classrooms.
Yakasa’s nomination at the Sir John Guise Stadium was an event itself with the
candidate preceded by several dancing groups and a convoy of buses carrying
supporters.
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