Ialibu-Pangia

O’Neill Declared

O’Neill polled 37,501 reaching the absolute majority to be declared.

When giving his victory speech, O’Neill thanked God for the win and the continuous deliberation during the elections in the province.

He also thanked the Returning Officer, Ronald Rambu and his team for a job well done in facilitating the polling and counting in the district. The sitting member also commended security personnel for their tireless effort during the elections.

His declaration was witnessed by former Ialibu Pangia MP, Roy Yaki, Philemon Embel and other leaders.

O’Neill Votes In Kauwo

He was accompanied by his predecessor Roy Yaki and Sir Nathaniel Poiya.

Although Ialibu Pangia electorate voted, Imbonggu, Kagua Erave, Nipa Kutubu and Mendi polling was deferred to today.

Southern Highlands Election officials say the late distribution and  confusion in the list of polling officials was the cause of voting delays in most parts of the province. Polling went ahead as districts received their ballot papers. Security in the province remains on high alert.

Mendi Welcomes O’Neill

He was welcomed into Mendi town yesterday by thousands at Momei Oval. Accompanying O’Neill were members of his Election team and the MP met with the people during a campaign rally.

O’Neill said Southern Highlands Province was blessed with an abundance of natural resources that can better the lives of the people. These resources need to be utilized to better the lives of the people and service delivery.

The province has around 450,000 young people under the age of 25 with 21,400 babies born each year.

Over K290,000 for UPNG Ialibu-Pangia students

A representative from the Ialibu-Pangia District Development Authority (DDA), Samson Wereh, presented two cheques to the Ialibu-Pangia Student Association president, Wayne Wama.

K252,000 will be for the internal students while K41,000 is set aside for the external (Open campus) students.

The subsidy break-up is; K2,000 per internal student while K1,000 goes to individual external students.

Ialibu families connected to power

Electricity connection in these districts ushers in endless economic opportunities and other improved services.

Electricity coverage in the country is as little as 20 percent with more efforts required from the government, PNG Power and other relevant agencies to increase it to at least 70 percent to achieve the government’s vision 2030. 

“Yumi opim ofis blong Ialibu long traim long provaidim sevis blong PNG Power long eastern end blong kantri,” stated Peter Nupiri, Board Chairman of PPL

Liria calls for peace

Stanley Liria, who filed a reference in the Supreme Court, on the legality of polling conducted on Sunday in the electorate, in Southern Highlands Province, will no longer be pursuing it in court.

This reference which was filed on July 10, questioning the legality of polling that was conducted on Sunday, July 2, after it was deferred from Friday, June 30, has been withdrawn.  

In the reference, the high court was asked to interpret section 130 of the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government elections.

O’Neill congratulates all members-elect

In a statement this afternoon, O’Neill thanked the business community and people around the Nation for their patience during the election, and said he anticipates a post-election increase in economic activity after Parliament resumes.

“I congratulate all Members-elect on their declarations,” the he said.

“Regardless of whether you join us in Government, or sit on the opposition benches, you have already made a great achievement.  Your provinces and districts have elected you to represent them in the Tenth Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

Gamato receives writs for Ialibu-Pangia and Koroba-Kopiago

Gamato confirmed that, these brings a total of four writs returned so far following declarations in the during this election.   

A total of 10 Open Seats throughout the country has already been declared so far, whilst other election writs now with the Electoral Commissioner are from Tari – Pori and Moresby South electorates.

Gamato after receiving the writs congratulated Ialibu – Pangia fourth team MP, Peter O’Neill and returning Koroba – Kopiago declared winner, Petrus Thomas.

“Election is a big race, you both are winners.

O’Neill declared!

This is O'Neill's fourth term to be elected as the MP for Ialibu-Pangia.

After count 115, O'Neill collected 48,714 votes.

Officially declaring him at around 12.30pm was Ialibu-Pangia Returning Officer Michael Ariando, in the presence of counting officials, scrutineers and supporters.

O'Neill has gone past the 50% +1 absolute majority, with a surplus of more than 17,000 votes.

More updates to come...

(During O’Neill’s declaration today in Mendi, SHP)

 

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​O’Neill’s declaration deferred

This is to allow for the remaining ballot boxes to be counted before the declaration.

After count 96 at around 2pm today, O’Neill is leading with 42,717, followed by an independent candidate Stanley Liria on 7,035 and Justus Rapula on 1,244.

Ialibu-Pangia Assistant Returning Officer, Samson Pulu, said counting for Ialibu-Pangia will be completed this afternoon while the declaration will be done tomorrow.