Gamato: I am not aware of LLG election deferral

By MALUM NALU
Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato, pictured, says he is not aware of next month’s local-level government election being deferred by the Government.
He said this after Finance Minister and Leader of Government Business James Marape posted on Facebook the LLG election would be deferred to next year.
Marape’s posting went viral on the internet.
“Looks like LLG elections will be held early next year,” he said.
“Don’t stress out now.”
Marape could not be reached for comment last night.
Gamato, when contacted, said he was not aware of such a decision by Government.
“We are planning for the LLG election,” he told The National.
“I didn’t hear about that (deferral).
“I will find out about that.”
Gamato said Marape was the Leader of Government Business and was privy to inside information.
Doubts about the LLG election surfaced amid rumblings by LLG presidents and councillors nationwide.
Some have threatened to boycott the election over unpaid allowances.
In April, Gamato said the LLG election would most likely be deferred, but the Government said later that it would go ahead.
He said the earthquake, financial situation of the country, outstanding issues from last year’s general election and Apec 2018 made it highly unlikely for the LLG election to go ahead as planned.
It is also a very difficult task given the 6340 wards in 329 LLGs, scattered in 89 districts throughout the 22 provinces. Last week, Gamato said LLG elections would go ahead despite boycott threats from presidents and councillors.
He said the elections next month would start as scheduled.
Gamato said the Department of Provincial Affairs and LLG was handling issues of outstanding salaries and allowances.
“We run the elections and that issue cannot stop me from running elections. We must provide this service for other Papua New Guineans to run for public office.”