Trawen orders probe into forged letter

 By ADAM MERA

ELECTORAL Commissioner Andrew Trawen, pictured, has directed an investigation into the origin of a letter supposedly signed and issued by him.

The letter, dated Sept 9, had his signature to confirm the election of Peter Angelye 

as president-elect of the North Waghi local level government in Jiwaka.

Trawen has informed Jiwaka Governor William Tongamp, the provincial administrator and election steering committee that he had directed immediate investigations into the origin of the letter.

Trawen said after consulting his senior management and staff to verify the source of the letter, he confirmed that it was not from his office.

“Copies of the letter were sent to the provincial administrator for Jiwaka and chairman for the Jiwaka provincial election steering committee,” Trawen said.

“It is evident that the origin of the letter is outside of the electoral commission and that my signature was forged, scanned, copied, and pasted on the letter.”

Trawen said North-Waghi was among the first 19 LLGs which he had declared failed on Aug 14.

He said on the cancellation of the local level government elections in North Waghi, he revoked the appointment of the assistant returning officer as he did with the other 26 appointed.

He said because there was no assistant returning officer, “no declarations were made for North Waghi LLG and writs were never returned to the minister for inter-government relations.”

Trawen said 25 candidates contested the North Waghi LLG presidency.

“I have given my assurance that supplementary elections will be conducted. 

“But the people must take ownership of the elections and demonstrate that they want good elections and ensure the environment for the supplementary elections,” he said.