Sawang wins seat

By GLORIA BAUAI
NEWLY-ELECTED Kessy Sawang yesterday celebrated her victory as “a win for Rai Coast”, a huge accomplishment by women, and a just reward for her five years of hard work and her planning.
“Rai Coast has huge potential which had not been fully realised in the past 47 years,” she said.
“We cannot blame anyone. But this is the injustice that pushed me to contest the seat and make the country recognise Rai Coast as an asset to national development. I must give credit to the people of Rai Coast for their clear mind-set and for not being afraid to vote-in a female leader; while rest of PNG hesitated, you displayed strength in breaking the barrier.”
The People First Party candidate polled 10,888 votes to become first female MP from her district and Madang province.
She passed the absolute majority of 10,567 after the 52nd elimination, beating United Labour Party candidate and sitting MP Peter Sapia who polled 10,153.
People welcoming her on her way to signing the writ chanted “light is now shining on Rai Coast”.
“It’s not easy supporting a female candidate in a male-dominated field,” she said.
She also thanked the male voters who supported her for their “trust and confidence in me to be their leader”.