Officials plan protest

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday July 3rd, 2013

 ASSISTANT returning officers in East Sepik plan a mass resignation if the East Sepik provincial government does not honour a commitment of K500,000 as logistical support before 4.06pm today.

The 27 assistant returning officers in the province met in Wewak on Monday and drafted a petition that was given to the provincial administration.

They outlined issues that could affect the LLG election in the province if the commitment was not met. They said: 

  • The allocation of K500,000 by the provincial administration was insufficient to conduct the election in the province;
  • To date part payment of the K500,000 has not been released; and,
  • The cost of hiring transport, security personnel allowances and accommodation, and other election activities would be affected.

They signed the petition yesterday before it was presented to acting provincial administrator Richard Komboi.  

Speaking on their behalf, Turubu LLG assistant returning officer Martin Maingu said there was an agreement signed by the Electoral Commission and the provincial governments to support the elections.