Ling-Stuckey denies NA claims

Kavieng MP Ian Ling-Stuckey says he did not win the 2017 general election because of National Alliance (NA) Party.
Ling-Stuckey in response to claims by NA president Steven Pokawin, told The National that he did not invite or accept any campaigning events by the party at that time.
“Let me make it clear that I did not win the 2017 election because of National Alliance Party.
“That is just a hallucinated statement by Steven Pokawin.
“On the contrary, I didn’t invite or accept any campaigning events by NA and campaigned entirely on my own,” said Ling-Stuckey in response to the claims by Pokawin at a rally in Kavieng.
Pokawin announced during a recent rally at Snafu Oval in Kavieng that former New Ireland premier Pedi Anis was NA’s candidate, replacing Ling-Stuckey who had resigned to join Pangu Pati.
Ling-Stuckey re-joined Pangu Pati last month, saying it was leadership that influenced the people of Kavieng and he joined the party nearly 30 years ago.
He said it was the changing of guards in the leadership of Pangu that made him decided to re-join the party under the stewardship of Member for Tari-Pori James Marape.
He called on the NA party to get over his resignation and move on.
“It’s nice that Pokawin still misses me, but he should show a bit more love,” the Kavieng MP said.
Meanwhile, Ling-Stuckey urged all other parties and candidates to present their policies so the people of Kavieng could make informed decisions on their candidates when voting.

Police to use WhatsApp to monitor election security in Southern Highlands

SOUTHERN Highlands police will create a WhatsApp Group for all candidates, Electoral Commission (EC) officers and other relevant officials to monitor 2022 general election in the province.
Commander Chief Superintendent Daniel Yangen said “we can discuss and resolve issues as fast as possible” via WhatsApp.
He told regional and Mendi-Munihu candidates, EC officers, police and people in front of Mendi police station on Friday after the draw for the candidates’ numbers on the election ballots.
“The aim is for everyone to air their views and discuss on how we can work together for a safe, fair and free elections,” he said.
Yangen said the supporters’ mayhem in the 2017 general election was due to lack of communication. “Many have learnt from past mistakes and we want a violence-free election this time. We all must work together to make it happen.
“If a candidate sees any of my policemen involved in crooked deals with any candidate, they must take pictures and post or report to the WhatsApp Group so that we can investigate and deal with the alleged candidate and policemen.
“It is good news that the nomination period ended smoothly, without any violence,” he added.
Mendi-Munihu returning officer Sebastine Kisambo also supported the creation of the group by police.
Election manager Jimmy Alwin said he was looking at engaging God-fearing people to take part in the counting of ballot papers at Momei Oval.
“I am open and free to talk with all candidates to ensure a successful election in the province.”

Palma nominates outside Kerowagi after threat

A THREATENED Member of Parliament (MP) nominated in a non-gazetted location after being threatened by supporters of rival candidates.
Kerowagi MP Bari Palma filed his nomination papers in Kundiawa town instead of at the district administration office because of concerns he would be attacked if turned up at the designated nomination site.
The Chimbu electoral office confirmed Palma and film actor McPolly Koima nominated for the open seat in Kundiawa.
Provincial election manager Rev Tom Sine and Kerowagi returning officer Ben Williams facilitated Palma and Koima’s nominations.
Palma, who is defending the Kerowagi seat, thanked Sine and Williams for understanding his plight.
He condemned the threats issued by supporters of rival candidates.
He said everyone had a democratic right to participate in free, fair and safe election.
Palma said the election process should not be sabotaged or hijacked and that the integrity of the process had to be protected.
“If you are challenging, your challenge should be free and open but using threats and intimidation is not supposed to be the way for the people of Kerowagi,” he said.
Palma said the people of Kerowagi were law abiding and wanted a peaceful and fair election.

CCTV to be used at EHP counting venues, says Welly

CLOSED Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera will be used at the nine counting centres for 2022 general election in Eastern Highlands, commander Superintendent Michael Welly says.
“CCTV were used at the Goroka by-election and it proved to be effective and successful. So, we will be doing the same again for all the counting centres for election,” he said.
Welly spoke at the draws of the order of candidate numbers in Goroka on Friday.
“If in any situation, any disputes or disagreements arise at the counting process, we will be able to play-back the CCTV recording for transparency and accountability,” he said.
Meanwhile, Welly said the ballot boxes would be stored at the counting centres as there was not enough time for counting.
“Police Commissioner David Manning has directed the boxes to be stored at the counting centres in provinces.
“In our case, all the boxes for Eastern Highlands seats will be stored at the National Sports Institute counting centre,” he said, appealing to candidates and scrutineers to speed up counting and return the writs before July 29.