Niningi signs off on writs

By JEFFREY ELAPA
INTER-Government Relations Minister Pila Niningi has reissued 96 writs for supplementary elections in failed local level government council polls in 10 provinces.
Based on advice from electoral commissioner Patalias Gamato to the minister to conduct supplementary elections for the 96 wards.
Niningi said the writs were for the 96 council wards that were declared failed in the recent elections.
He said some of the wards were declared failed because of violence and other related issues.
He said nominations were open from yesterday (4pm) and polling would start on Nov 16 and the writs would be returned on Dec 10.
Gamato said the supplementary elections would require K4.5 million for the 96 wards but the amount would be reduced if the district development authority and the provincial governments could help out.
He said they had not secured funding yet and were waiting for the Government’s response to their submission. Niningi commended the people of Southern Highlands, saying that for the first time, the province had not recorded any failed election.
The other five Highlands provinces recorded one or two failed elections.
Enga recorded the highest number of failed wards – 47 – Western Highlands had 30, East New Britain 6, Milne Bay – 3, Eastern Highlands – 3, Chimbu – 1, Hela – 2 and Jiwaka – 2.
In Enga, Lagaip-Porgera recorded 20 failed wards, Wabag – 9, Kandep – 8, Kompiam-Ambum – 3, Wapenamanda – 4 and Maramuni – 2.
In the Western Highlands, Bul-Baiyer recorded 13 failed wards, Hagen Central – 7, Dei – 5 and Tambul-Nembilyer – 5. In the East New Britain, Pomio and Gazelle had 3 each.
The others are Milne Bay – 3, Atotau – 2 and Esa’ala – 1, Kikori in Gulf – 1, Middle Fly district in Western – 1, Hela – 2, Jiwaka – 2, in Eastern Highlands Henganofi had – 2 and Kainantu – 1.