MA prepares to endorse NGI candidates

THE Melanesian Alliance Party will soon endorse its candidates for the national elections in the New Guinea Islands region.
This follows the setting up of the NGI regional executive and the East New Britain provincial branch in Kokopo.
The party has a sole MP – Dame Carol Kidu.
During a meeting in Kokopo last weekend, former president for Toma-Vunadidir LLG David Piamia was elected president of the NGI executive, Andrew Amani  his deputy, Darius Bobo secretary and Alphonse Bera treasurer.
Daniel Biang was elected NGI coordinator.
Piamia said the task ahead was very difficult. His executives will identify suitable candidates for seats in the region and appoint provincial executives.
“This is a re-building process and the party which has been keeping a back stage is now re-merging,” he said.
He said the MAP had fought for decentralisation of power to the people.
The party had a strong following in the NGI and elsewhere but since the party’s founders decided to abandon the party, it had seen a drop in numbers during recent elections.
“We are now determined and prepared to resurrect the party as our only MP Dame Carol is retiring from active politics.
“We believe the onus is on us the people of NGI to rightfully bring back the leadership of the party to the region.”
He was confident the party convention in Port Moresby this month would endorse some good candidates and called on current MPs thinking of joining the party to make their intentions known to the party officials as soon as possible.
The ENB provincial party branch executives were also elected with local businessman and former MA strongman Jack Diuvia elected as president.