Islanders urged to choose wisely

 WATOM islanders in East New Britain have been challenged to choose their ward members and presidents wisely in the local level government (LLG) elections in June.

Ombudsman Commission acting regional manager Anthony Champanien told the islanders last week that the LLG elections were as important as the national elections and should be taken seriously.

“They have been advised on the roles and responsibilities of their ward members or councillors and presidents in a bid to monitor these leaders when they are voted into power in the coming months,” he said.

“The Ombudsman Commission since last week has been staging awareness programmes in the four districts in East New Britain and will continue this week to prepare voters for the LLG elections.”

Champanien said all councillors and presidents automatically come under the Leadership Code when they are elected into office and are required to comply with all requirements of elected leaders as stipulated under the Leadership Code.

The awareness programme was held at the Vunakabai government station and was facilitated by acting LLG manager Gary Mano. 

It was attended by teachers, village court officers, councillors and members of the public.

Champanien said the purpose of the visit to the island was to prepare the people of Watom for the coming LLG elections and to empower them with information which they can use to make better decisions when going to the polls.