Tongamp petitioner fails to show up

HUNDREDS of people from Jiwaka gathered last Friday at Kudjip to witness their Governor William Tongamp receiving and signing an election petition that  was to be delivered by regional candidate Jamie Maxtone-Graham.
But they were left disappointed as Maxtone-Graham did not turn up to present the petition to Tongamp.
Maxtone-Graham registered an election petition on Sept 9 at the Waigani National Court challenging Tongamp’s declaration as winner of the Jiwaka regional seat.
Maxtone-Graham wanted a recount for all the regional boxes.
Supporters packed the Kudjip market where Tongamp was to receive the petition.
Maxtone-Graham’s supporters claimed there had been threats and that was the reason why he did not appear in person to give the petition to Tongamp.
Tongamp said he had been waiting to receive the petition since it was registered.
 “I’m not in Port Moresby because I’m in my office (in Jiwaka) to do my work even in the night and on Saturdays.”
“I think it would be better if Jiwakans witness Jamie Graham handing over the petition to me in public,” he said.