Registrar apologizes to Somare

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, October 18, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG) 

POLITICAL Parties and Candidates Registrar Dr Alphonse Gelu has apologized to Sir Michael Somare for any inconveniences caused by last week’s front page report in a daily paper on the eligibility of the senior politician, following talk of him standing for the top job in media circles.

On the issue of eligibility, he said the registry had no legal say in the matter- blaming misreporting in the story that created the impression that it did.

“He is eligible just like any member of parliament, but that is for them to decide and not the registry,” Dr Gelu said.

“It can be a backbencher, a member of the opposition or whoever that is up to them and not us. I never mention also according to the report that it is a legal and technical requirement. I never said that it is legal, but rather a technical requirement as we still categorise him as still part of NA.”

“For us at the registry I would like to apologise to Sir Michael for that headline that might have caused him some discomfort on that matter. Like now we do not know whether he wants to be the Prime Minister or not as it is all assumptions.”

He said he was clear on his position as the registrar of political parties to the reporter that the registry does not decide on who is eligible and who is not eligible to contest the office or the post of the PM.

“From the outset I would say that was put from the front-page is from the Post Courier itself and not from the registry or myself.”

“The only issue that came out clear in that report is on the membership of Sir Micheal Somare who is a member of the national alliance party.”

“I told them that the registry would treat Sir Michael’s case the same as what we have treated all members of Parliament that have moved from one party to another.”

“What I said was currently according to our position at the registry is that Sir Michael is still a member of NA unless we receive documents from Sir Michael or the party itself.”

He said if the registry is to go ahead and decide on the matter through the media that would basically bring about problems to the registry.