Hela finishes ‘trouble-free’ elections

HELA has completed its local level government elections despite reports of increased tribal fighting in the province, says Governor Philip Undialu.
Undialu, who is in Australia with Prime Minister James Marape, thanked the Hela election officials and the community for a trouble-free election.
“Time and again, Hela continues to prove critics wrong by delivering elections on time, under budget and most importantly without trouble,” the said.
“I am informed that out of almost 280 boxes, fewer than 10 have issues and that is a remarkable achievement for us.”
Undialu said he was happy with the provincial government’s commitment of K800,000 for the elections.
He congratulated LLG councillors who won and called on the other candidates to continue to provide their leadership at their respective wards.
“Within the next few days, the elected councillors will decide and vote in their LLG presidents and I urge all public servants tasked to manage this final process to carry on their jobs honestly and fearlessly.”
Undialu said credit should go to provincial returning officer Ana Pame, provincial administrator William Bando and Team Hela for delivering a peaceful election.
The Electoral Commission office said Eastern Highlands completed polling in five days and counting started on Monday.
Kainantu voted on Tuesday and Obura-Wonenara went to the polls yesterday.
In Chimbu, polling was completed on Monday in all districts and counting started on Tuesday.
In Jiwaka, polling was completed in two electorates only and Western Highlands completed its polling on Monday with counting starting on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Southern Highlands, polling and counting were done on Tuesday, but wards that faced some problems would be transferred to Mendi for counting.