Joe Tonde

The candidate is challenging elected member, Lohia Boe Samuel.

The matter went before Justice Joseph Yagi this morning at the Waignai National Court.

Lawyer representing Tonde, Samson Phannaphen said his client is in court for allegations of errors during the conduct of the Moresby North West by-elections.  

Phannaphen said, “There are allegations of errors by the Electoral officials in the last by-elections.  Directions have been given to us to file affidavits and the case will return on the 1^st of November.”

This was confirmed by PNG Electoral Officer Alphonse Muapi.

“As stated earlier by the Electoral Commissioner, after the elections the RO will be subjected to investigation. What he did is a serious offence,” said Muapi.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato is currently on leave and is expected to address the matter upon his return.

The individual in question, Moka Havara, gave an exclusive interview to Loop PNG yesterday (05/09/17) where he stated that his actions were due to frustration.

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.