Marat wins fourth term

Melanesian Liberal Party leader Dr Allan Marat will serve a fourth term in parliament after retaining his Rabaul open seat in the  elections on Friday.
Marat, 63 and from Tavui One village in Balanataman lower-level government, was the first candidate in East New Britain to be declared in the current elections.
He was attending his sister’s funeral on Friday afternoon when he was informed of his win.
After the fourth elimination, Marat won back his seat with 6290 votes.
National Alliance candidate Raymond Paulias was second 4892, followed by Komit Kunai, 806.
Marat was up against seven other candidates.
He said his victory was a “gift from God” and his victory in the elections was victory for the people of Rabaul.
“This victory is for all of us,” he said.
Marat said although Rabaul district was small, it was not an easy task in the elections.
“I am not going to say whether I will be in government or opposition, but when the time comes, I will let you know,” he told a crowd gathered at the Malaguna Technical School hall to witness his declaration.
“With the formation of the new government, all I can undertake to do is to be a good leader and to continue to display quality leadership for the people of Rababul district on the floor of parliament.
“I want to assure voters who did not cast one vote for me is that’s God’s will is that I do not disown you because this victory is for all the people in the district, whether you like it or not.”