Dede Sophie

By Samuel RAITANO, in Mendi, SHP/ FM 100  People from some council wards in Kuare Local Level Government (LLG)of Ialibu Pangia electorate, Southern Highlands Province used Kagua Erave electorate ballot papers to vote yesterday. This was revealed by Timothy Mitameali, Kuare Primary School head teacher who is also Assistant Presiding officer for Mapiro One ward. Mitameali told this newsroom that the issue was pointed out to assistant returning officer Martin Mambo on Monday evening when he redistributed ballot papers at their council chamber. Mambo then  called Ialibu Pangia RO Ronald Rambu. However, Rambu  told them to check with Kagua Erave RO Albert Wens who referred them back to Rambu. ARO Mambo then told the Presiding Officers to cross out Kagua Erave label and to write Ialibu Pangia on them with biros. Mitameali said neighbouring Karapere ward also used Kagua Erave ballot papers. However, in neighboring Kolopi ward and some others, the ballot papers were correctly labelled as Ialib

One of the highest priorities of the PANGU-led coalition Government will be on strengthening the democratic processes of Papua New Guinea. James Marape highlighted this during his maiden speech after his election and swearing in yesterday as Prime Minister of the country. “Building a resilient economy is fundamental. Building economic infrastructures is fundamental. Addressing natural resource laws and how we harvest the benefits from these resources at the same time not chasing away our investors is fundamental. Addressing business and investment confidence is fundamental.” “Addressing law and order, working on education and health sector, strengthening institutions of State, Mr. Speaker, I propose to this house, three (3) years from 50 years of nationhood, it is time we this generation pick up the house and do major maintenance work again,” said the Prime Minister. Mr. Marape was elected unopposed as Prime Minister in the 11th Parliament, in an overwhelming show of support yesterday.