Electoral commission returns writs to DPLGA

Caption:   Commissioner Andrew Trawen (second left) handing over the writs summary to Minister Dion (centre) including all the writs on the table


By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 1, 2013 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)



Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen, officially ended the local level government election period by returning the writs to the Minister for Inter-Government Relation and Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion last week at the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) office conference room, in Port Moresby.

The writs were issued on June 6, and were to be returned before August 30, which occurred on Friday- witnessed by the Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, Vice Minister for Inter- Government Relations Joseph Sungi, Secretary DPLGA Munare Uyassi.

Sir Zurenouc congratulated the commissioner and the electoral commission on conducting the LLG elections within the schedule.

He said that though they had not been successful in returning all the writs, they had concluded it by law, and at the end of the day it is the electoral commission’s prerogative to receive the writs and fail those elections that did not return them.

Commissioner Trawen announced the return of 230 writs from a total of 319 writs issued, 66 elections were deferred, and 23 were failed from the six highlands provinces.

“Supplementary elections will be conducted as soon as funding is secured from the national government,” he said.

Minister Dion stated that every election since independence have always been challenging, and he praised the commissioner for the work he has done without fear of favour.

“The electoral commissioner has always been in the hot seat- he has total independence from any political influence and we as the government act upon his advice regarding electoral events.”

“As the minister responsible I am happy to our leaders who have given the power to the people to elect their LLG leaders,” Mr Dion said.

He acknowledged the provincial and district administrations assistance in conducting the elections as per agreement with an MOA signed prior to the start of the LLG elections.

Challenge those in failed election LLGs to follow the law, announcing that in September when funding is sourced, he would re-issue the writs.

LLG heads will conduct meets within 15 days from the date of returning writs to be inaugurated into office with Local of District Court Magistrate, or commissioner of oath to oversee the swearing in.