O’Neill: I’ll form govt

By JEFFREY ELAPA
PETER O’Neill shed tears of joy while thanking the people of Ialibu-Pangia for returning him to parliament for a third time, saying he is ready to lead the nation again.
The caretaker prime minister thanked the people for their trust and confidence in him after being declared the winner with an outright majority of 44,917 by returning officer Michael Ariando.
“You must know that nobody will form the new government but this small man,” he said.
He told hundreds of cheering supporters at the Momei Oval in Mendi, Southern Highlands, that the fact he had won 75%  of the votes cast was a record in the country.

His rivals were way behind – Raphael Noipo scored 5,676 (9.5 %), Eke Lama 5,417 (9 %), Philip Rambu 2,049 (3.4%), Timothy Alex Aipa (2.3%), Tom Tua 185 (0.3%), Paul Kia Awei 205 (0.3%) and Paul Pori (0.2%).
O’Neill was escorted into the counting venue by people in a convoy of vehicles. He was greeted by people gathered outside the counting centre and along the streets of Mendi town.
Counting for the other five electorates were suspended as polling officials cheered when he walked with his son Brian O’Neill through lines of cheering people to the counting centre. He then went to the grandstand where he signed the declaration documents and cut two cakes prepared by his people.
He thanked Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen and his staff, election officials and the joint task force led by assistant commissioner Jim Andrews and Major Larry Lauri.
O’Neill said although some people could not vote because their names were missing from the common roll, the election was the best because it was peaceful.
He said it was a positive indication that the people were showing maturity.
Ariando said the election was the best as it was peaceful compared to previous elections.
Chairman of the provincial election steering committee Dr Bravy Koensong also commended the people for conducting a peaceful election.