No presidents in 19 LLGs

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 14th of February, 2014

SOUTHERN Highlands Governor, William Powi says the delay in the by-elections of five local level governments in the province is affecting planning and service delivery.
He told Parliament this week that the elections in the five LLGs last year had been declared failed by the Electoral Commission, but no fresh elections had been called for.
He said the five LLG presidents could not be part of the decision making in the provincial executive council.
Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Leo Dion said supplementary elections for the five LLGs would be held soon.
“It is my job to make sure that the Electoral Commission conducts supplementary elections as soon as possible,” Dion said.
Dion advised Powi to use LLG presidents from the previous council to act in the positions.
“There were a great number (19) LLG elections failed, especially in the Highlands, and my ministry is aware of the existing problems affecting the bureaucratic process of provinces affected,” Dion said.
“I would like to apologise for the delay in organising supplementary elections for the 19 LLGs especially in the Highlands.
“I would like to assure the governors and the MPs to be patient as we are trying our best to conduct supplementary elections and are in discussions with the Electoral Commission.”
Dion said he had earlier advisedgovernors and MPs concerned to recognise the previous presidents of the failed LLG until the Electoral Commission conducted supplementary elections.
Western Highlands Governor PaiasWingtisaid most of his LLGs were failed and the matters were now before the courts.
He told Parliament he would have to wait for the decision of the court.