Commissioner asks Govt for K3.95mil to settle debts

By GYNNIE KERO
ELECTORAL Commissioner Patilias Gamato is asking the Government for the balance of K3.95 million from its budget to settle debts to service providers during the Menyamya by-election in Morobe.
Gamato said the commission budgeted for K6.1 million but received only K2.15 million from the Treasury Department.
“We submitted for K6.1 million, so far the Government has released K2.5 million,” he said.
“I’m asking the Government for additional funding so we can pay the temporary election workers and security allowances and, of course, the general service providers like hire cars.”
On Friday, Gamato returned the writ for the Menyamya by-election to Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae.
Speaking at the Government House after the occasion, Gamato said the event marked the conclusion of a successful by-election.
He added that when Parliament resumed next month, Benjamin Philip would be sworn by as a member elect for Menyamya.
In relation to the court ordered by-election for the Goroka Open seat in Eastern Highlands, Gamato said he has to get permission from the State of Emergency Controller David Manning.
“I’ve written to the Government to provide funding for Goroka. I’ve also written to the controller seeking permission to conduct the by-election,” Gamato said.
“We will get a formal letter from controller – will follow up this week.
“Budget for the Goroka seat is K6 million, part is towards legal costs and cost for petitioner.
“Legal fees is K600,000 and K1million towards cost of tax or taxable costs of the petitioner.”