COCOA farmers in the Ambunti-Dreikikir electorate of East Sepik want to know about the whereabouts of a K2.4 million earmarked for cocoa development in the country. Chairman of the Cocoa Board of PNG Patrick Wolly said the money was a “write-off” from a government loan given to the cocoa board for the purpose of assisting small-holder growers in the country. It was meant to assist farmers increase farming activities, for seed subsidy, procurement of polly bags and support CCI research and extension programmes. The board believe former chairman and now Wewak MP Jim Simatab and chief executive officer Lavatu Tautea were in a better position to explain the whereabouts of the money.

PM apologises for missing rally
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has apologised to the people of East Sepik for not turning up at a public rally organised by the East Sepik provincial administration recently. Sir Michael relayed his apology through NBC Radio Wewak. But he promised to be with them during the Independence day celebration on Sunday. Sir Michael blamed his absence on confusion between the Prime Minister’s Department and the East Sepik provincial administration. He said if the people of East Sepik wanted him to address them at a public rally, they should give him at least two weeks notice so that he would plan ahead for such a programme.

Wararu’s election challenged
Runner-up for the Yangoru-Sausia Open seat Gabriel Dusava has filed a petition challenging the election of winner Peter Wararu. Mr Dusava said he was prompted to challenge the election because the “public and silent majority” in the electorate demanded him to seek justice. He is alleging bribery and irregularities committed in the election process and is asking the court to nullify Mr Wararu’s victory and order a by-election. Mr Dusava is also alleging that during the elections, there were corrupt handouts of trucks, mobile phones, cash, food items and collaborative acts of irregularities in the election along with the rigging of votes by the defendants.

Mulungu’s election in court
The election victory of Francis Potape Mulungu as Member for Komo-Magarima in Southern Highlands is being challenged in the Court of Disputed Returns. Runner-up Eno Tanda filed the petition seeking a re-count of votes, citing several discrepancies during the counting. Mr Tanda polled 14,607 votes to finish second, 809 votes behind Mr Mulungu. Mr Tanda is also seeking orders that he be declared the winner in the event that he polls the highest number of votes after a recount. Alternatively, he is asking that the election be declared null and void and a new election be held immediately. Mr Tanda also claims that his scrutineers were threatened and harassed during the counting by security personnel.

Ruing’s win goes to court
THE election of Puri Ruing as Dei MP in the Western Highlands province is being challenged in the Court of Disputed Return. Runner-up Roy Pena Roltinga filed a petition at the Waigani National Court last week, raising the issue of the exclusion of two ballot boxes with serial numbers 0315 and 0316 from Mala 2 polling areas. The boxes contained 1,159 ballot papers which were not counted. Mr Ruing polled 15,893 votes to Mr Roltinga’s 15,219 votes, a difference of 674 votes. Mr Roltinga claimed that had the votes in the two boxes been counted, the result would be have been different. He claimed that the majority of votes in the boxes were his, adding the Returning Officer had no valid reason to set the boxes aside when the order from the Electoral Commission was to count votes in all boxes.

Kaeok’s election challenged
A petition has been filed challenging the election of Miki Kaeok as MP for Wapenamanda. The petition was filed last week by Rimbink Pato, the runner-up in for that seat. Mr Kaeok polled 15,867 votes to win, 2,345 votes ahead of Mr Pato. In the petition, Mr Pato is alleging the hijacking of ballot papers and other illegal acts in at least seven polling areas, that allegedly resulted in Mr Kaeok getting 5,621 votes from 6,238 registered voters. It said security force members were aware of what happened but could do little to stop it because villagers there were armed. Mr Pato is seeking orders to have the illegal votes subtracted from the tally in a recount, and a winner declared. Alternatively, he seeks that Mr Kaeok’s election be voided and a by-election be held.

Bena petition withdrawn
Unsuccessful candidates for the Unggai-Bena electorate have decided to withdraw their petition from the Court of Disputed Returns against Member and Environment and Conservation Minister Benny Allan. The candidates, led by runner-up Wince Lee Oibotee in a statement said after a long and hard deliberation, they decided to withdraw the case. Chairman of the working committee for unsuccessful candidates Kiatro Abisinito said they believed the interest of the people of Unggai-Bena would be best served now that Mr Allan has been appointed to cabinet.

Danaya unhappy with cabinet
Western province Governor Dr Bob Danaya has expressed disappointment that his province has missed out on a ministry. He said having no voice in cabinet would have detrimental effects on the welfare of people and the development of the province. Dr Danaya said the Warangoi Accord had not been honoured for some coalition partners. He said even though some may say the distribution of ministries was fair, he has his reservations. Dr Danaya said Western contributed one third of PNG’s revenue, therefore should have a voice in cabinet. He said leaving the province out was an insult to his people.

Murray Barracks gets new boss
The PNG Defence Force logistics unit at Murray Barracks, Port Moresby, now has a new commanding officer. Lt Col Karl Hayai takes over from Lt Col Michael Kumun. Lt Col Kumun handed over the unit’s command to Lt Col Hayai in a parade last week. Lt Col Kumun is now posted to headquarters PNG Defence Force as director land operations. Lt Col Hayai was the military adviser to the commander of PNGDF before taking up his new post. In his farewell speech, Lt Col Kumun urged the unit to leave behind the recent problems they had and get on with the job.