Sitting member for Ialibu Pangia Peter O’Neill is confident of retaining his seat after the elections.
People from all parts of the electorate flocked to Pangia station on Monday to witness his nomination.
As he touched down in a helicopter, accompanied by Imbogu Mp Francis Awesa and Tari Pori MP James Marape, thousands of supporters and well-wishers lined the roads chanting phrases in support of him.
At the new district office he built, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill nominated as the first candidate for Ialibu Pangia.
He told his people when he first entered the elections in 2002, he stood on strong policies to transform basic infrastructure services and after 10 years, people can visibly see his policies come to fruition.
He received praises from not just his supporters but from long-time political rivals like Roy Yaki and Brian Pebo.
Mr Yaki admitted to not doing enough for the people and pledged his total support to O’Neill in this year’s elections.
Mr O’Neill’s people through the many speakers told him to make this trip to Pangia his last and to concentrate on supporting his candidates in other parts of the country so they return back after the elections to form the government.
They say he does not need to campaign – his handprints are visible right throughout the electorate through the various infrastructure services he has delivered over the ten years.
One long-time rival even donated K5000 to Mr O’Neill to help with his campaign.Nine pigs with food were also brought to him as gifts on his nomination day.
Meanwhile, Returning Officer for Ialibu Pangia, Michael Ariando said his office will announce the total number of candidates contesting the seat on Thursday, after the close of nominations.
