134 for Madang urban

 By DOROTHY MARK

A TOTAL of 38 candidates will contest the Madang Urban local level government (LLG) president’s seat while 96 will contest councillors’ seats in the 10 wards.

The final list produced on Sunday during the drawing of candidate numbers showed that nine women will contest the ward councillor’s seats in Madang Urban.

Two women each will contesting in wards three, seven and eight and one each in wards two, six and nine while none have nominated to contest the president’s seat.

Many new candidates and popular local figures have nominated for the president’s seat, including popular musician Demas Saul, former town mayor Steven Amenasik and his deputy Maxwell Moeder Jnr.

Members of the Madang Urban Youth Council have nominated in both president and various ward council seats.

“Looks like the youths are serious to take control of Madang Urban LLG and run it their way,” town resident Mark Penias said.

An observer, Steven Biap, said Highlanders and Sepiks dominated the nomination list.

“The race for the president seat would be between the Sepiks and the Highlanders because they nominated in great numbers,” he said.  

Meanwhile, concerns were also raised for the Madang open by-election.

A Madang Urban LLG candidate, Stanley Gaan said it would be a waste of time for them to get elected and wait for their member of parliament.

“We urged the Electoral Commission to conduct by-election for Madang open quickly so we have an MP to work with,” he said.