​East Sepik Regional to be hotly contested

​The East Sepik Regional seat will be hotly contested to find a successor for retired Governor Sir Michael Somare.

The Papua New Guinea’s first prime minister bowed out of politics at the end of the 9th Parliament term, after consecutive 49 years mandated by the East Sepik people.

National Alliance endorsed candidate, Allan Bird, is the talk in the province, with a favourite tag to replace NA party founder, Sir Michael.

But other heavyweights that will give the ‘vanilla man’ a run for his money are prominent lawyers Alois Jerewai and Moses Murray. This also includes Gabriel Dusava, former PNG Ambassador to Japan, and former Secretary for Department of National Planning, Valentine Kambori.

Pangu Party candidate Dulciana Somare, the former governor’s daughter, is also running for the regional seat.

Meanwhile, the regional seat has 26 candidates contesting, Wewak Open – 30, Ambunti-Dreikikir – 26, Angoram – 28, Maprik – 22, Wosera Gawi – 26 and Yangoru Saussia – 16.

And in West Sepik Province, 32 candidates are running for the regional seat, Aitape-Lumi Open – 19, Nuku – 9, Vanimo Green – 21 and Telefomin – 16.

(Loop file pic)

 

Author: 
Charles Yapumi