Land group elects Yawari chairman

 FOI Landowners Association in Kutubu, Southern Highlands, has elected its new association chairman as directed by the National Court.

Johnny Yawari, the son of former Southern Highlands governor Hami Yawari, was elected chairman of the association at Pimaga government station last Friday. He polled 48-41 to his nearest rival. The chairmanship has been disputed for a long time.

But on July 12, Justice Ambeng Kandasaki ordered the parties, led by Johnny Yawari and Sese Vege, to go back to Pimaga council chambers and resolve the issue out of court by electing a new chairman.

As per the court order, an officer from the PNG Electoral Commission, Kala Rawali, conducted an election.  

National Court assistant registrar Baka Bina, officials from the Department of Petroleum and Energy, Mineral Resources Development Company, and legal officials from both parties and state entities, and police personnel witness the occasion.