More ENB women contest

 A HANDFUL of ward councils in East New Britain are witnessing women contesting the local level government (LLG) elections.

Since nominations began last Thursday, reports from the four districts showed that more women had been nominated for the ward councils compared to the 2012 national election which only saw three women contest.

Yesterday, there was a long queue as all nominations were moved from the LLGs to the provincial electoral office at Vunapope. Today will see the order of draw for candidates conducted.

Rabaul district: Watom LLG saw three candidates nominated for president, eight for council; Kabiu LLG: six for president, 15 for council; Balanataman LLG: three for president, 12 for council and Rabaul urban LLG had the current sitting mayor Changol Mayor re-contest his seat and 15 nominated for the council wards.

Rabaul urban LLG assistant returning officer Freddy Lemeki said among the 15 nominated for council seats were three females.

Kokopo district: Bitapaka LLG had 12 nominated for president and 50 for council wards; Duke of York LLG: nine for president and 36 for council seats; Raluana LLG had four for president and 16 for council; Kokopo/Vunamami Urban had three for mayor and 15 for council.

Bitapaka LLG assistant returning officer Thomas Monep said four females were contesting the council seats at Bitapaka while two each for Duke of  York, Raluana and Kokopo/Vunamami.

Pomio district: West Pomio/Mamusi LLG saw five for president and 37 for council including two females.

Gazelle district: Toma/Vunadidir LLG saw five for president and 32 for council including four females.