Candidates dash about looking for signatures

National, Normal
Source:

The National- Wednesday, January 12, 2011

By JEFFREY ELAPA

CANDIDATES vying for the position of governor-general yesterday took the corridors of parliament by storm as they dashed from one MP’s office to another looking for signatures.

They were required to collect 15 signatures to make them eligible to contest the vice-regal’s chair, left vacant by Sir Paulias Matane after a Supreme Court ruling last month.

Their first stop was at the clerk’s office for the nomination forms before dashing off in search of MPs. One MP could only back one candidate, with six possible nominees expected by the offices of the clerk and acting speaker of parliament.

Former firebrand politician Sir Pita Lus, from Maprik in East Sepik, was also seen hanging around with nomination papers in his hand.

Acting Speaker Francis Marus told parliament yesterday that nominations would close at 4pm today, and 

the forms must  be handed to the clerk of parliament.

The screening process would take place tomorrow.

Parliament was adjourned to Friday at 10am for the vote to take place.

Members of the opposition told reporters that they would support four people, based on merits, including the two women candidates.

While the opposition promised to deliver a motion on the proposed vote of no-confidence to the office of the acting speaker for deliberation by the parliamentary private business committee, this did not eventuate.