Isoaimo is new MP

By JACK AMI

NATIONAL Alliance Party member Peter Na­mea Isoaimo is the new MP for Kairuku-Hiri, in Central, after he beat his predecessor, Paru Aihi, by more than 3,000 votes in a by-election. 

Isoaimo, 44, from Inauwii village in Mekeo, polled 20,792 votes to Aihi’s 17,669. 

He was declared the winner at 7pm on Saturday by election manager Kila Egaba at the Institution of Public Administration hall in Port Moresby.

He will serve the electorate for the next three-and-a-half years.

Isoaimo was escorted to the hall by party leader Patrick Pruaitch, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Justice Minister and Attorney-General Ke­renga Kua, Central provincial administrator Gei Raga and party supporters to sign the documents officially declaring him the winner of the seat won by Aihi during the 2012 general election. 

The writ will be delivered to Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio today. 

Isoaimo said he would spend the next three-and-a-half years providing service to the people of Kairuku-Hiri.

“I want total support so everyone can work together and put aside politics,” he said. 

“It’s a big area to serve and I will start straight away.”

Party stalwart, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare congratulated the new MP and welcomed him to the National Alliance Party parliamentary team. 

Party leader Patrick Pruaitch welcomed Isoaimo,saying he would further strengthen their numbers in the ruling coalition.

Prime Minister Peter O’ Neill sent a text to Pruaitch to convey his congratulations to the new MP.

Election manager Egaba commended the people of Kairuku-Hiri