Ensure candidates are eligible to contest

THE electoral commissioner and all the provincial and district returning officers should uphold the laws governing eligibility of candidates to contest in the general elections.
One law that is always overlooked is on residential qualification.
This law has a purpose and protects as well as promotes the integrity and sincerity of candidates.
The inferences drawn from this law is, a candidate should be seen to be a leader living in their community, contributing to solving law and order issues, helping in community and projects, being involved in local church and youth activities and so forth.
The law on residential qualification really promotes everyday leaders who continue to live and work among their communities and districts to contest.
Many candidates who do not visit their districts will be contesting in next year’s elections.
They come to their districts make loud noise during election time and are gone after election.

Leader Mangi Lo Ples
Goroka