The National denies Kandiu’s claim

An intending candidate for the upcoming general election has accused The National of misreporting a court case involving him, a claim which the newspaper denies.
Referring to the front page report of The National on Monday, Michael Kandiu said he was not involved in any corrupt dealings with former National Capital District election manager Terence Hetinu in the 2017 elections.
“I don’t go around bribing people to buy my way into anything,” he said in statement at a press conference in Port Moresby on Monday.
He accused The National of tarnishing his image during this “crucial time” and said he was seeking legal advice.
He was referring to the front-page report of The National on a National Court’s decision to jail Hetinu seven years for corruptly receiving K184,000 from Kandiu to ensure his election.
Kandiu, who came out second in the elections, told the press conference that if he had bribed officials, he would have been arrested and charged.
He claimed The National had blatantly and deliberately misinterpreted the court’s judgment.
Justice Theresa Berrigan had, however, made her ruling on the case against Henitu in November last year and deferred sentencing, which was done on Friday.
In passing sentencing, she described Hetinu’s offence in receiving monies to influence the results of the National Capital District regional seat as the worst of its kind and warranting the maximum penalty.
“It should never be forgotten that free and fair elections are the foundation upon which every thriving democracy rests, ensuring that government derives from the will of the people,” she said.
In her judgment in November, she said it was beyond reasonable doubt that Hetinu had received the money for himself as well as to pay election officials to ensure Kandiu won.
When police arrested Hetinu in June 2017, in addition to the money, they also found on him a memorandum of agreement purportedly signed by him, Kandiu, and a coordinator/electoral agent.
Justice Berrigan said that under the agreement, the parties agreed to “do such acts from time to time that shall cause or give effect to the election of Kandiu in return for which the candidate would give Hetinu and the agent an undisclosed sum of money and contracts for a period of five years”.
She said it was clear the money was to ensure Kandiu won the seat.
“This is the only rational inference when all of the circumstances are taken together.
“The agreement itself states that the parties are willing to do acts that shall cause or give effect to Kandiu to winning the election.”
Justice Berrigan said although it was clear the money came from Kandiu, he was not on trial.
“In my view, having regard to the elements of Section 87 (1) (a) (i), it is arguably not necessary to particularlise the person from whom the property of benefit is derived.”
After the press conference, Kandiu directed his aides to give all the reporters K200 to “buy flex cards”.

Editor’s note: The National strives to report fairly and accurately and rejects all attempts at undue influence from outside parties, especially as we approach the general election.
While we are not implying, and without prejudice, we invite Kandiu to take back the K200 from our office.