Wewak’s new MP

By GYNNIE KERO
WEWAK businessman Stanley Muts Samban, declared MP of the district after a by-election, has dedicated his victory to young people and those involved in the informal sector.
“My win is for the youths and informal sector,” Samban said.
Samban, of Kamanimbit village in Angoram, who contested under the Social Democratic Party banner, was declared the winner at around 4pm after polling 14,565 votes – crossing the absolute majority of 14,258-plus one. Party leader Powes Parkop, who is in Beijing, China, said: “We campaigned on a great vision for Wewak, East Sepik and PNG. We are determined to deliver that vision.”
Deputy party leader and Nipa-Kutubu MP Dr Billy Joseph in a statement congratulated the people of Wewak “for having faith in Stanley and our party”.
“We will continue to work very hard for our people in cooperation with the Pangu-led Government.
“We will remain the third largest coalition partner in our government with six members.
“I want to thank the family, supporters, coordinators, SDP Party executives for working hard to give us this result.
“The people of Wewak have spoken. Now it’s time to get to work to fix Wewak in partnership with the East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and the Pangu-led Government.”
Samban thanked the other 14 candidates who contested the seat with him.
Independent candidate Moses Warie Maninare who polled 13,565 was second.
After exclusion number 13, People’s First Party candidate Dr Deanne Woruba bowed out of the race.
East Sepik election manager and returning officeer James Piapia thanked everyone who contributed to a successful by-election.
East Sepik now has a seat vacant in parliament following the death of Maprik MP Gabriel Kapris.
No date has been set for a by-election to fill the seat.