Intending candidate for Hela Regional seat, Francis Potape says social media is spreading false rumors in regard to the recent Supreme Court decision clarifying the eligibility of a person who has been convicted of an offence.
Potape told Inside PNG News, this decision has seen many jumping the gun by naming he and other candidates who are running for office in the 2022 National General Elections.
He said supporters of other rival candidates are posting on social media platforms stating that that he (Potape) and other former MPs’ are not eligible to contest for Public Office and that their nomination should be squashed by the PNG Electoral Commission.
The former Hela Governor said the particular post is being circulated a number of times with people who serve a particular interest in the political landscape.
“This actually concerns me. People do this because of their vested interest”, said Potape.
He called on his opponents including the general public not to post any publication if they do not have facts supporting details. Potape said the post has tarnished his name and has left his supporters in confusion.
“I have been cleared by the Supreme Court and have won my case. I returned to Parliament in 2015 and 2016. I then contested in the 2017 National Election for the Hela Regional Seat.
People are confusing the voting population.”
The former Hela Governor appealed to the general public to record any person publicly calling names of him and other candidates. He said he will take legal action against those going around and calling names during the campaign.
In other related concerns, Potape said corruption has thrived over the years in the Hela Provincial Government Administration. He said public money has not reached small communities. Potape said the current leadership has not delivered basic services to impact people’s lives but has been piggy-banking on impact projects by the National Government agencies.
“There is massive corruption in the Hela Provincial Government. He said as campaign continues, there are cheques continuously printed and are before the Ombudsman Commission to validate. He called on OC not to entertain these last minute cheques which he believes will be used to lure voters as polling looms.
“Hela has suffered enough, people are echoing for change in leadership. Hela needs a new leader, said Potape.
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