Nominations in West New Britain Province are proceeding well without any hiccups.
Closing day four of nominations (Monday 23rd of May 2022) Provincial Returning Officer, Emily Kelton says a total of 58 candidates have nominated for the four seats in the Province.
PRO Kelton said of the 58 two are female candidates. Kelton said Talasea Open Seat has the highest number of nominations with 22, followed by Kandrian-Gloucester – 15, Nakanai Open – 11 and the West New Britain Regional seat – 10.
According to an election update by Kelton, the two women candidates are PAP candidate, Celine Uma who will be contesting the WNB Regional seat and Gertrude Vitolo who is contesting the Talasea Open seat under Indigenous Liberation Party.
“One more candidate should have nominated for the Regional seat but due to legal requirements, that particular nomination was not accepted,” said PRO Kelton.
The three sitting Members of Parliament have paid their nominations with incumbent Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel (Pangu Party) and Kandrian Gloucester MP and PNC candidate Joseph Lelang defending their seat while Talasea Open MP Francis Maneke will contest the new Nakanai Open Electorate Seat.
A couple of senior heads of Government agencies are also contesting in the 2022 National General Elections. This include former Police Commissioner, Gary Baki (Regional – PNC), Air Niugini Commercial Manager, Dominic Kaumu (Talasea – NA), and former Health Secretary Pascoe Kase, (Kandrian Gloucester – URP).
The WNB PRO said nominations at the Sir Bernard Vogae Memorial Park in Kimbe Town have progressed with candidates pouring in with huge supporter numbers. PRO Kelton said the nomination booth continues to see candidates turning up to nominate.
Meanwhile, Chairman of WNB Provincial Election Steering Committee, Robert Dau urged all candidates nominating to exercise their democratic right and also refrain from doing things against PNG Election Laws. He said all complains or queries must be channeled through the four designated seats contested in the Province.
“We should be civilized enough to follow Election Laws during this period of time. If you are not sure of anything consult the APRO in your respective electorates whether it be Talasea, Nakanai, Kandrian-Gloucester or the WNB Regional Seat, said Chairman Dau.
“We will close nominations at 4pm and will open for business again tomorrow (Tuesday 24th May 2022) at 8am,” said Kelton.
I urge you all not to conduct any illegal activities or cause any disruption during the nomination. Drive home safely, stay healthy and exercise your support towards your candidate in the right way, said PRO Kelton.
Comments are closed.