Party names candidates, hosts convention at historic site

THE Our Development Party (ODP) announced 10 candidates for the general election during its convention in Milne Bay recently.
The regional seats are for Milne Bay, Hela and Central and seven open seats are for, Alotau, Samarai-Murua, Abau, Delta Fly, Rigo and Chuave.
Party leader and Alotau MP Charles Abel said his party aims to bring in at least five quality MPs and participate in the formation of the new government.
The announcements of party policies and the introduction of the candidates were made in the presence of party founder Sir Puka Temu, president Andrew Terry, representatives from the Office of Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates, LLG presidents, Alotau town mayor, councillors, and church and community representatives.
“ODP aims to promote policies that build stronger foundations starting with churches, families, villages and towns, the economy and jobs, governance and law and order,” Abel said in the statement.
Policies announced covered education, transport, communications, electricity, churches, rural development and governance.
Abel said all policies declared had been tested by Sir Puka and himself at the district level or developed at the national policy level.
“I am the author of the National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development (STaRS) and Sir Puka, the Vision 2050.”