nominations

Day 1 of nominations on Thursday 19^th May got off to a slow start for Moresby North West. Anna Bais was the only candidate to nominate at the Ipi Park, in Hohola.

In Moresby South, five candidates nominated. They included Michelle Hauofa who is running for office under the banner of People’s Party. Hauofa was the only female who nominated on that day at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Beyoncé leads the field, with nine nominations overall, including four for Black Parade, a protest anthem released at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests this summer.

Swift, with six nods, could win album of the year for a record-breaking third time with her lockdown album Folklore.

Dua Lipa also picked up six nominations for the disco-tinged Future Nostalgia.

Guillermo del Toro's fantasy romance received 13 nominations, including best picture.

World War Two drama Dunkirk follows with eight nominations, while Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri received seven.

British stars shortlisted include Gary Oldman, Sally Hawkins and a pair of Daniels - Day-Lewis and Kaluuya.

Greta Gerwig has landed a best director nomination for Lady Bird, one of nine films shortlisted for the best picture award.

Others include Steven Spielberg's The Post, gay romance Call Me By Your Name and Winston Churchill drama Darkest Hour.

Assistant Returning Officer Jamaika Agba told Loop PNG that out of the total, three candidates have also put their hands up to contest.

They are Esther Siruwe, Marie Simo and Lynetth Neneo.

Agba said the officials will be compiling the candidates’ files and will issue them their box numbers today.

He described the nomination week as the best with no record of illegal activities reported.

He called on the candidates to encourage their supporters to support and campaign peacefully and not to create nuisance during the campaign and polling period.

More than 10,000 people came in truckloads and buses to witness the occasion.

Timah is confident to win the seat currently held by Johnson Tuke.

“I want to change Kainantu and make it a role model in the country.

“My people have been neglected for the past years and now is the time to give them what they deserve.”

With a Masters degree in Business management, Timah said the people of Kainantu deserve better as they are the economic corridor to the other Highlands provinces.

He is contesting under the PNG Socialist Party.

Micah will be running against 22 other candidates to retain his seat, this includes three female candidates.

His nomination was witnessed by the founder of People Progress Party, Sir Julius Chan, New Ireland Governor and fellow PPP member, Namatanai MP Byron Chan who filed his nominations last Friday (April 21).

New Ireland Election Manager Glenson Laena told Loop PNG from Kavieng that Ron Meli was the last candidate who filed his nomination this afternoon to contest the Kavieng Open seat.

The former deputy prime minister signed the nomination papers in Sialum Council Chamber, witnessed by elder brother Dr Agewa Zeming and Assistant Returning Officer Alpha Mark.

Villagers from Siassi island crossed the sea in six dinghies to stand with the Minister as he nominated. They also contributed the K1,000 nomination fee.

Their spokesman Banabas Nalong said their gesture was to show their appreciation for the services that have been delivered to the islanders in the last five years.

Kerevat is the growth centre of Gazelle district, the biggest district in East New Britain province.
The town was awaken to the blaring of vehicle horns, loud hailers and chants for a much deserved change for the people who have seen meager government services over the last five years.

Jelta Wong, a local boy who grow up all his life in the Gazelle outback and seen how his people suffer from basic government services over the years, promised by leaders during election time has stepped forward to be the channel for service to his people without fear or favour.

Sir Julius nominated to contest the national elections for the eleventh time.

This makes Sir J one of only two longest serving members of parliament marking more than 40 plus years in politics to date.

Sir J first entered politics in 1968 in the second House of Assembly.

The 2017 national elections would be the third time nomination for the New Ireland Provincial Seat for Sir J who first contested this seat in 2007 and won.

Chemical Engineer, Matilda Tagu Koma nominated at 2pm today, joining 10 other male candidates who have nominated so far to contest the Goilala Open seat.

Koma is running under the banner of Social Democratic Party. She was the third runner-up in the By Elections after the death of the late member, Daniel Mona.

Current sitting MP William Samb of Pangu Pati also nominated today, just before 2pm.

Samb is confident of retaining his seat and hopes that his performance as member in the past 18 months will speak during the polls.