Campaign has started, says villager

By ABIGAIL APINA
A VILLAGER in East New Britain says illegal election campaigning is taking place in his village.
Julius Turpa, from Ralubang village, in the Bitapaka LLG area, claims intending candidates for the 2012 general election have been going around wards there, conducting awareness and illegal campaigning.
“They have offered vehicles, goods and cash to people of Bitapaka and the surrounding plantation areas,” he said.
Turpa said the people of Bitapaka LLG had been used during election times in the past and it was happening again this year.
“This is a new era and we have identified our needs that are yet to be fulfilled,” he said.
He said there was nothing to show in the Bitapaka areas despite people contributing heavily to the provincial economy by producing cocoa and copra.
He urged eligible voters to elect leaders who would be able to talk for their rights and be vocal in the parliament.
“Parliament House is not a place for mute and remote control people,” Turpa said.
He said voters should be reminded that this was a time to contemplate and pray for good governance and for good leaders to be elected.
“Do not vote with jealousy or involve voters with your personal grudges with a candidate. Vote with your heart as a vote is power and it will determine our future,” he said.
He said it was important for people to elect leaders who knew the systems of government and were able to interpret laws.
“We should try to avoid electing leaders who bribe with money, vehicles and other goods that do not benefit everyone,” he said.