Isolate PNC
Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta today urged all newly-elected independent Members of Parliament to join the Independent Team or friendly parties in Opposition, but not PNC. “Peter O’Neill and PNC have tried every possible trick to rig the election,” he said. “Despite this, Opposition candidates have made strong gains – witness the sweep Pangu is making in Morobe, while other Opposition parties and Independents are leading in most seats. “These MPs-elect have fought s
What is PNG coming to?
Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta said today that the court action taken by the Electoral Commissioner to restrain comment from well-known blogger Martyn Namorong was ridiculous. “Is Mr Gamato so thin-skinned? I have never seen anything written by Martyn that could be called offensive. Humorous, yes. To the point, also yes. That’s why Martyn’s tweets and quips are so popular,” Sir Mekere said. “We would all just be calling Mr Gamato’s action a joke, if it did not signi
Resignation of Election Advisory Committee confirms public’s worst fears about election
Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta said today that the resignation of the Election Advisory Committee sent a loud and clear signal that the conduct of the election had been highjacked by Peter O’Neill, Isaac Lupari, the Electoral Commissioner, ably assisted by the Police Commissioner, the Defence Force Commander and the Secretary for Finance. Sir Mekere said that the resignation of the EAC was a very clear statement to the nation about the failure of the 2017 election.
Questions about Highlands election helicopter contract
Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta today called on the Central Supply and Tenders Board, the O’Neill Government and the Electoral Commission to explain the processes used to award the Highlands Region helicopter contract for the transport of election material and personnel. The contract, awarded to Heli Solutions Ltd, is said to be for approximately K19 million. The company did not bid for the contract, but won it on advice from “a higher power”, one CSTB official said.
Gamato must not declare Ialibu-Pangia first
Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato must not further undermine the integrity of the national election by declaring Ialibu-Pangia ahead of other seats. Doing so would send a clear signal to Papua New Guineans that the manipulation of the election is continuing with one aim in mind – the formation of a PNC-led Government. The declaration of Ialibu-Pangia first in the 2012 election undoubtedly gave an advantage to PNC candidates in seats where voting was continuing. There mus