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Gates close on potential politicians
A NUMBER of candidates had their nominations turned down yesterday,
while questions surround the validity of the nomination of Stars
Alliance party leader Clement Waine for the Simbu provincial seat.
Dr Waine, who is based in the United States, was not in Kundiawa to
nominate, causing anguish and confusion among his supporters and
candidates alike.
After nominations were closed in Kundiawa and draws for the ballot for
the Provincial seat was held, Dr Waine’s name drew number six.
Simbu provincial election manager John Elle said Dr Waine’s nomination
had been accepted in Port Moresby by Electoral Commissioner Andrew
Trawen.
Mr Elle told those who gathered for the draw that Mr Trawen had advised
him to accept Dr Waine’s nomination.
He said they also did the same for another candidate, Peter Raiss Tine.
Mr Trawen could not be reached to confirm this, but media consultant to
the commission Mark Karambi said he understood that a candidate needed
to be in his electorate to nominate, and the nomination must be
witnessed by the returning officer.
It is understood Dr Waine’s opponents would be seeking further
clarification on this.
Meanwhile, a number of candidates were turned away after they turned up
late to nominate.
In the NCD, one intending candidate attempted to nominate at about
4.05pm but was turned away at the gate by the electoral officers.
Electoral officers explained that if they let the candidate in, they
would be breaking the law and would be charged.
Amos Junior Yawi said he would have nominated earlier but was waiting to
collect enough money to pay his nomination fee.
He accepted that he was late and said he would wait until the next
elections.
In Goroka, five intending candidates missed out on nominating, the
reason being that their political parties failed to meet the nomination
fee.
Returning Officer Alwyn Jimmy said these candidates were misled by
certain political parties, who had promised to support them.
Mr Jimmy said these parties promised to pay their nomination fees and by
close of nomination yesterday, these parties had not lived up to their
promises.
He said there was nothing he could do and that by law, these people were
out of the race.
In Simbu province, three candidates were not allowed to nominate because
they showed up after 4:06pm, while another would have his K1,000 fee
refunded because he did not turn up to sign the necessary forms.
 
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