2017 National Elections

Hagen petition trial stayed

The Supreme Court delivered its ruling today, putting the trial, which was scheduled to commence on 14 January on halt, while it reviews the decision by the National Court, which allowed one ground in the petition to go for trial.

Leave to review the National Court’s decision was granted by the Chief Justice, who sat as a single Supreme Court judge, last month.

4 RPNGC members killed this year: Baki

“Besides the Bougainville Crisis, this is perhaps the largest number killed in any one year,” says Police Commissioner Gari Baki.

“The first two killings occurred in July this year whilst the third and fourth killings occurred on 30 September, a day after the National Police Remembrance Day.

“These killings demonstrate yet again the very real danger facing my men and women around the country. Nevertheless, we are committed to protecting and serving the 8 million people of PNG regardless of the risks to our personal safety.”

2017 elections worst ever: Governors

Speaking at the Political Party Expo in Port Moresby, Sir Julius said in his career, he has never seen a more ill-planned election.

This sentiment was also shared by Northern Governor, Gary Juffa.

In a show of support to their political parties, the governors of New Ireland and Northern attended the Expo hosted by the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC).

They were joined by Minister for Communication, Information and Energy, Sam Basil, and Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch.

​Candidates warned against disrupting SHP counting

The Electoral Commissioner’s delegate and deputy commissioner corporate services, John Kalamoroh, has warned that candidates and supporters risk being held for contempt of court.

“The Supreme Court has ordered the count of the 84 disputed ballot boxes locked at the Mendi police station.

“The people of SHP have expressed their choices and the electoral process must respect that. We cannot deprive the electors their right to vote for a candidate of their choice.

“We must count the 84 boxes.

​NA MPs welcome petitions

The petitions will now see these members bring the matter to the court of disputed returns.

The leaders include Member for Aitape and National Alliance Party leader Patrick Pruaitch, Member for Maprik John Simon and sitting Member for Nuku, John Sungi.

They were recently served these petitions while Angoram MP, Salio Waipo, was also served his through a media advertisement.

NA party leader and member for Aitape, Pruaitch, noted that the petitions were part of the normal process after elections.

Pruaitch’s declaration to be challenged

Candidate and runner-up of the Open seat, Emmanuel Solwai Mambei, has lodged the election petition at the National Court, saying he has immense support from people in the district, including candidates who contested the Aitape-Lumi Open seat in the recent 2017 national elections.

Mambei says bribery is among the number of allegations leveled against the leader of the National Alliance Party, and now Leader of the Opposition.

​Former RO speaks on Tonde incident

Former returning officer (RO) Moka Havara revealed to Loop PNG that he declared the 2017 national elections Moresby North-West candidate, Tonde, out of frustration.

​On Thursday, July 27, Havara illegally declared Tonde as member-elect at a hotel in Port Moresby, hours after Sir Mekere Morauta’s declaration.

Havara could not be located that morning to declare Sir Mekere after he surpassed the absolute majority.

Elections review: Highlands Region

Journalist Freddy Mou witnessed firsthand the volatile situation of elections in the Highlands.

This is his summary of elections in the Highlands.

The campaign period in the Highlands region is always a time to showcase the sort of leaders a tribe has.

This is when pigs, cows and other livestock are slaughtered, with celebrations after celebrations held at various campaign venues by candidates to try and lure voters.

SHP counting cannot be failed: Gamato

“Section 81(3) of the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections gives the power to the Electoral Commissioner to make or allow extension.”

Gamato was responding to calls on him to declare the Southern Highlands Provincial Seat elections as “failed” and for supplementary elections to be held since counting hasn’t been completed after the first sitting of the new Parliament three weeks ago.

He explained that counting for the Southern Highlands Provincial Seat was recently ordered by Court to be conducted in Mt. Hagen.

VIDEO: Late Sir Andrew Trawen's view on the 2017 Elections

Until his last few days, he still couldn't believe the sheer amount of issues that had occurred in this election. 
The late Sir Andrew Trawen's view on the 2017 National Elections was briefly expressed by close friend and senior Journalist, Joseph Ealedona at his funeral service on Monday.   

 

Charmaine Poriambep with more