Alfred Manase

Minister explains Kundiawa Airport delay

Minister for Civil Aviation Alfred Manase revealed this in parliament yesterday after Member for Karamui-Nomane, Geoffrey Kama, asked to know why the ground work on the airport runway was completed two years ago, but operations have yet to commence.

“Two years ago construction was completed but the airport has not opened yet. Can the Minister tell us why?

“It has become uneconomical for the people of Simbu to travel to Mt Hagen and Goroka to catch a flight,” Kama said.

Court: Kandep leaders must take responsibility

Court of Disputed Returns administration judge, Justice Collin Makail, said the two leaders will have to take responsibility and tell their people and supporters to respect the court process and the election petition in court.

He made the comments when fixing the venue for the election petition trial.

Suggestions were made by Polye’s lawyer to have the trial heard in either Mt Hagen or Mendi due to security reasons however, the judge said there is the National Court facility in Wabag that can be utilised.

Venue for Kandep petition trial to be fixed

The venue will be confirmed during pre-trial conference this Wednesday at the Waigani National Court.

Polye and his lawyer suggested to the court to have the trial conducted in a court facility apart from the Enga Province, however, parties could not agree on the venue.

Due to the fights and killing by supporters during the election period, security remains a concern.

Suggested trial dates have been set in the month of May next year however that is subject to being formalised by the court.

Manase’s win challenged in court

He filed the petition challenging the election of rival Alfred Manase as Kandep MP.

Polye is alleging bribery, undue influence against Manase and illegal practices, errors and omission against the Electioral Commission in the petition.

A total of eight witnesses will be summoned by his lawyers to appear in court for the trial, on a date that is yet to be set.

Speaking to supporters outside court, he claims the election was rigged and has taken it to the Court of Disputed Returns.

He says the people of Papua New Guinea must stand up for what is far and right.

Minimizing air travel cost a must

Speaking during the launching of the “National Airline Corporations Sustainable Growth Strategy” Manase said he wants to ensure that air travel is affordable for all Papua New Guineans.

 He said he will undertake discussions with all stakeholders within the industry and believes that affordable flying can be achieved.

Meantime the corporate plan launching was held in a Town Hall meeting fashion with NAC staff witnessing the event.

Kandep fighting: Manase, Polye’s silence deafening

Baki urged both leaders to take ownership of the conflict and condemn the fighting, which has resulted in several deaths.

He said their silence on the clashes is seen to be in support of the conflict in the Province.

“Of concern also is the fact that none of the other elected leaders, including the two named, have come out to stop the fighting,” he said.

“Mr Polye and Mr Manase should now not be talking about politics but to stop the death and destruction and finding ways to bring back peace and law and order into the province.

Kandep Open recount elimination to begin

At the close of first preferential recount around 9pm yesterday Opposition Leader and sitting MP Don Polye leads by a difference of 10, 314 votes.         

“No candidates obtained the absolute majority so we’re going into elimination process starting tomorrow (today) to find the winner,” Kandep Returning Officer Alwin Jimmy told Loop PNG yesterday.

He said the absolute majority of 50 per cent plus one is 25, 585 votes.  

Jimmy said after completion of count 72, Don Polye leads with 22, 647 votes and Alfred Manase 12, 333 on second placing.   

Polye widens margin in Kandep recount

After count 62, which ended the votes recount yesterday evening, the sitting Kandep MP and Opposition Leader collected 21,235 votes, says Kandep Returning Officer Alwin Jimmy.

Jimmy told Loop PNG that Alfred Manase is in second place with 9,921 votes and all the other candidates are yet to master the 3,000 vote mark.

He added that 43,640 ballot papers were allowed, and 260 votes were found to be informal.

Polye takes a commanding lead in recount

Polye leads the pack with 8,131 votes, followed by Alfred Manase on 2,955 votes and in third position is Herman Anep with 1,286 votes.          

The recount started on Saturday after lunch following continuous delay caused by unavailability of a counting venue and also action by supporters of the sitting MP who claimed that the ballot boxes was tempered with.    

PPC Enga calls for peace during Kandep recount

The recount was started on Saturday after continuous disruptions.   

The court had directed the recount of the seat after a successful election petition by 2012 runner-up Alfred Manase.

The court ordered that the recount must be counted within 30 days which will lapse this Thursday.

If a winner is not declared by close of counting on Thursday, the PNG Electoral Commission must return to Court and ask for an extension.