Sugu Valley leaders want LLG elections to proceed

By PISAI GUMAR
LEADERS from the warring tribes in the Sugu Valley of Kagua-Erave, Southern Highlands want the Electoral Commission to conduct local level government (LLG) elections to allow people to exercise their rights to elect ward councillors.
Tribal leaders Justin Mapi (Ya’ala) and Rocky Kula (Perepe, Wambeya and Liareba) told The National that they wanted the elections to proceed as scheduled.
Mapi said among 30 wards in the Kagua LLG, only nine were involved in the bloody tribal fight that had left 30 people dead.
The nine affected wards are Roka 1 and 2, Yaku 1 and 2, Ragu 1 and 2, Sumbura, Katiloma and Wagipanda.
“The tribal fight is outside the usual government business and as the warlord of Ya’ala, I can assure that the Electoral Commission can conduct normal elections escorted by security,” Mapi said.
“Electing councillors is important government business and through ward councillors, I hope better things may come through government services to help displaced people.
“People should no longer remain in fear and shattered by what has occurred.
“We shouldn’t dictate people’s rights from exercising their freedom to elect leaders, instead we agree to go ahead in electing councillors so they can bring peace into our communities and change our mindsets.
“LLG elections must proceed without intimidation and harassment of officials.”
Meanwhile, Kula said that their warriors had stepped down from fighting to allow peace of mind among people and villagers.
“However, our concern is for the local refugees that feared for their lives and moved out of their villages to seek refuge elsewhere,” he said.
“However, it is up to returning officers to draft proper election schedule to allow our people to return and cast their votes.”