Sir Julius Chan

Speaking at the Political Party Expo in Port Moresby, Sir Julius said in his career, he has never seen a more ill-planned election.

This sentiment was also shared by Northern Governor, Gary Juffa.

In a show of support to their political parties, the governors of New Ireland and Northern attended the Expo hosted by the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC).

They were joined by Minister for Communication, Information and Energy, Sam Basil, and Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch.

New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, was responding to criticism in a recent newspaper ad concerning the use of royalties from the Lihir Gold Mine.

“Section 8(c) of the District Development Authority Act says the DDA shall ‘not perform any of its functions or exercise any of its powers in a way that is inconsistent or in conflict with the policies and plans of the Provincial Government’. 

He has joined United Resources Party Leader, William Duma, and Powes Parkop, Leader of the Social Democratic Party.

In a joint statement, the group said: “Our coalition of Parties and Independent Members of Parliament have agreed to support a PNC-led Government form the Tenth Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

“Following the 2017 National General Election, PNC has recorded the highest number of Members-elect, and is on-track to have the highest number of Members in this Parliament.

Provincial Returning Officer, Ivan Lakatani, declared the province’s longest serving politician just before lunch time today. He has been in politics for over 50 years. 

He was declared with a total of 24,892 votes, making him the only member for the province to be re-elected this election.

Sir J polled over 1,600 votes ahead of runner up and National Alliance party candidate, Michael Singan.

The founder of the People’s Progress Party’s win now brings the party tally to three.

The incumbent New Ireland Governor saiid “The Namatanai have lost a humble representative, a man with a heart and love for his people – a true friend of all New Irelanders and Papua New Guinea will lose an honest Minister.

“But I have gained a son and I am very proud of his dedication to duty and loyalty to the Government”.

He acknowledged the newly elected MP, Walter Schnaubelt and reiterated his often plea for true Leadership and Cooperation – what he says is the foundation of the peoples future in New Ireland.

(File picture)

The properties were officially opened by the local MP, Ben Micah, in the presence of Governor Sir Julius Chan, PEC members and Chiefs last Friday.

Headmistress of Lasiliba Primary School, Remis Eron, told the delegation that the completion of the building projects were a long time coming and the people are now excited they have come to fruition.

She said the projects were possible through the donation of K100,000 by Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, during his visit to the New Ireland in 2013. 

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.

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.

Sir Julius when recalling the memories they share together on Tuesday when farewelling Sir Michael said sometimes they crossed swords themselves. 

“But we have always – together – held the good of our country, the good of Papua New Guinea, as our highest calling.  Of that there is no doubt.  We have fought the good fight.  We have kept the faith.

“But it has not been easy.  The obstacles we faced, the hurdles we had to clear.  Even when we had created the Independent State of Papua New Guinea our battles had just begun.

Sir Julius said Sir Michael’s farewell is truly a day to reflect on the past and all they have been through.

“For we have been through much and share many memories.

“We were both elected to the second house of assembly in 1968 and have known each other for more than fifty years. What a journey it has been,” Sir Julius recalled.

He said they both decided on the form of government we should have to adopt a constitution and established a financial system by creating a Central Bank and our own currency.