Wong up against 21 candidates

By MICHAEL PHILIP
TWENTY-ONE challengers, including two women, have registered to contest against incumbent Gazelle MP and Health Jelta Wong in general election.
The two women are Theonila Wat (Advanced PNG Party) and Independent Kathleen Midal Kunai.
Theonila said every woman had the right to contest in general election because it was their democratic right.
“Parliament belongs to both genders and nothing will stop us from contesting,” the nurse, who retired in 2016, said.
“Leadership is in-built in every individual, and the country needs women to balance decision-makings.
“We keep on emphasising on gender equality but it is time we consider women as leaders as well.”
Gazelle election returning officer John Wartovo said it was heartening to see candidates and supporters behaving themselves during nominations.
“It is a good sign moving forward,” he said.
“The first week of nominations went very well.
“Every candidate did a good job on filling and submitting their nomination forms.
“It makes our job easier and fast to accept the nominations.”
Meanwhile, Kokopo registered 19 candidates, Rabaul eight and Pomio five.
More nominations are expected to be submitted this week.

Powi confident of retaining governorship

By PETER WARI
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor William Powi says he had many half-completed projects for the people to deliver.
“I was unable to settle down after General Election 2017 political mayhem, bogged down by continuous court battles,” he said.
However, after nomination on Thursday, Powi said he was confident of retaining his seat in this year’s election after seeing a huge turnout of supporters.
Provincial executive council members also contributed K50 each and paid his nomination fee which Powi described as a “morale boost” and welcomed challenge from other intending regional candidates.
“I call on my supporters to change their attitude and let people exercise their democratic rights to cast their ballots,” he said.