LLG polls in doubt

By MALUM NALU
ELECTORAL Commissioner Patilias Gamato says the local level government elections scheduled for July will most likely be deferred.
Government officials are meeting today to make a decision.
The major issues being considered are the recovery and relief efforts in progress in the Highlands region following the earthquake in February, the country’s current financial situation, outstanding issues from the 2017 general election and the preparations for Apec in November.
It will also be a very difficult task to conduct one now given the 6340 wards in 329 local level government in the 89 districts around the country.
Gamato said the Government was now awaiting the advice of State lawyers.
“They will provide that advice to the Chief Secretary (Isaac Lupari) so that the Government can take a position on that,” he said.
“They are thinking of deferring the LLG elections because of the earthquake and some other issues, which State lawyers will give their constitutional advice on.”
The meeting today will be attended by Lupari, Gamato, State lawyers, Secretary for Justice and Attorney-General Dr Lawrence Kalinoe, and Constitutional and Law Reform Commission Secretary Dr Eric Kwa.
Officers from the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs will also attend.
“After the meeting, they will give us a position,” Gamato said. “If they decide to defer the election, based on legal advice, then Inter-Government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu will make the announcement.
“Hopefully, after the Chief Secretary receives advice on behalf of the Government from State lawyers, then the minister will make some decisions on the LLG election.”
Gamato said the Electoral Commission had been preparing well for the LLG elections. “We are all set,” he said. “But again, it all depends on the Government and whatever position they take. They are also looking at making some legislative changes that might impact the conduct of the LLG elections.
“It has put us in a bit of an awkward position – unstable in terms of decision, because if we go ahead and print ballot papers and other materials, and if the Government decides otherwise, then we’ll have to change.”