ENB leader warns of early campaigning

By ABIGAIL APINA
A COMMUNITY leader in East New Britain province claims 2012 general election candidates are conducting early campaigns and giving out cash and goods in certain wards of Kokopo district.
Bernard Waire, a community leader in the Rainau ward, Bitapaka local level government, Kokopo, said certain  candidates were giving out cash, offering vehicles and buying goods such as bicycles and generators for people.
“An intending candidate from the Duke of York Islands has offered his vehicle to a person who is now driving around carrying passengers while campaigning,” he said.
He said another two candidates from the Raluana LLG area had bought bicycles for people, while another offered a vehicle to help transport copra.
He called on provincial electoral commission manager Terence Hetinu to investigate this claim.
“I am seeking clarification and call on the provincial electoral manager to investigate,” he said.
He called on the people of Bitapaka LLG to be firm and not accept cash handouts.
He said people had sold their rights in previous elections.
He urged all voters to value their votes, saying it was important to vote candidates who were innovative and objective.
“Elect leaders who know the system of government and interpret laws and sub sections of the law, and those who can talk for our rights and are vocal,” Waire said.