By HARLYNE JOKU
NCD and Central returning officers closed
nominations yesterday afternoon in Port Moresby in an orderly manner.
Provincial returning officer Peter Malai announced the close of
nominations at 4pm sharp.
Only one candidate attempted to nominate at about 4.05pm but was turned
away at the gate by the electoral officers.
Electoral officers said if they let the candidate in, they would be
breaking the law and would be charged.
A youth, Amos Junior Yawi, said he would have nominated earlier but was
waiting to collect enough money to pay for his nomination fee. He
accepted that he was late and said he would wait until the next
election.
Port Moresby North East MP Casper Wallom nominated yesterday staging one
of the biggest convoys of more than100 vehicles.
After nominations, the draw for the order of vote of candidates was
held.
A total of 61 candidates officially nominated in NCD. Six nominated for
the NCD regional seat, Port Moresby North West (14), Port Moresby North
East (31) and Port Moresby South (10).
For Central, a total of 114 candidates nominated with Central regional
(18), Kairuku Hiri (32), Abau (12), Rigo (33) and Goilala (37) as of
Wednesday.
Nominations in the Southern region were held in an orderly manner and
closed without much disturbance, according to returning officers.
The Oro province confirmed 89 candidates nominated, 44 for the regional
seat, Ijivitari (19), Sohe (24).
In the Gulf province, a total of 111 candidates nominated. There were 44
for Kerema open, 27 for Gulf regional and 40 for Kikori open.
One of the returning officers of Milne Bay province Brian Wiau said some
intending candidates phoned from Port Moresby to nominate yesterday but
it was not possible so they missed out all together.
A total of 113 candidates nominated for Milne Bay – regional (13),
Alotau (39), Esa’ala (18) and Kiriwina Goodenough (19).
For the Western province, as of 6pm a figure 73 candidates nominated.
The Fly regional had 24 candidates, North Fly open (31), Middle Fly (14)
and South Fly (14).
