Tobias Kulang says he will vigorously challenge the wilful murder charge laid against him by police following the death of two men in Kundiawa Town.
In a media conference in Port Moresby on Wednesday night, Kulang said he will fight the charge as well as another accusation that he incited a riot.
A remorseful Kulang stated the deaths could have been avoided if a genuine court order had been followed by the court officials for the Kundiawa-Gembogl Electorate.
“The police are yet to complete their file on the matter and is still pending in court now so I will not comment further. But from the outset, I wish to state here that I deny these charges and I will vigorously defend myself in court to clear my name.
“I would like to sincerely apologise to the families of the two lives lost, those who suffered injuries and those who lost properties,” Kulang said.
Meanwhile, he has thanked Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, for not accepting the writ for Kundiawa-Gembogl and awaits an announcement for the recounting of votes for seat which he wants done in a neutral area.
Contempt proceedings have also been filed against the election officials for not adhering to the court order to include the two ballot boxes for counting.
“The people of Kundiawa-Gembogl electorate deserve better,” Kulang said.
He has been granted K6000 bail by the Goroka court.