South B’ville election a success: Gamato

THE writ for the South Bougainville by-election was yesterday returned by Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato to Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio.
Gamato returned the writ at Government House witnessed by new South Bougainville MP and People’s Progress Party candidate Timothy Masiu, commission staff and family and supporters of Masiu.
The seat was left vacant at the beginning of this year after the death of MP Steven Pirika Kamma.
The by-election programme began with the issue of writs on May 26.
“The election was conducted successfully,” Gamato said after the ceremony.
“I’m happy to say that it was one of the good by-elections we have conducted so far. I thank the national government for the financial support that they have given to Electoral Commission to conduct the by-election. In fact, the Government provided us K2.5 million.”
Gamato said Masiu polled 8232 votes and was declared at Buin Secondary School on Monday, July 4.
He commended returning officer John Itano and his staff for a job well done.
“I’m told the counting actually took three days – which is a record count that they’ve done in South Bougainville,” Gamato said.
“Normally our counting takes about a week.”
Gamato said total voting population for South Bougainville was 55,000, of which only 21,000 voted.
“South Bougainville is one of the difficult places which have mountain terrain and I want to thank the people for coming forward and showing interest in having a member,” he said.
Masiu gave a vote of thanks to the people of South Bougainville and the 11 other candidates.
“The people actually spoke through the ballot and gave me the mandate to be their leader,” he said.
“I know I won’t be serving for long in Parliament as it’s only about nine months before the next election, but I’ll work to the best of my ability.
“I know it’s an electorate that is quite difficult. I also want to thank the chiefs right across the South Bougainville electorate: the chiefs of Torokina, the chiefs of Bana, the chiefs of Siwai, the chiefs of Buin for the supports and the help that they gave in terms of making sure that their people came to the polls.”