By Scott Waide – EMTV News, Lae
The Supreme Court has granted orders to defer the Local Level Government (LLG) Elections indefinitely until all ‘substantive matters,’ which include the question over LLG president elections are heard.
The supreme court reference was filed yesterday by the East Sepik Provincial Government.
“This is a victory of the rule of law and I am very pleased that the judiciary maintained its independence,” East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird, told EMTV.
“This had to be done, otherwise the results of the entire elections would have been declared null and void if the court ruled in our favour later.”
The East Sepik Provincial Government’s reference challenges a Cabinet decision that disallowed the election of local level government presidents. As per the cabinet directive, LLG presidents would be appointed by ward members in an assembly.
Governor Allan Bird, argued that the decision to report to a mere appointment (and not election) of LLG presidents is a direct interference of the National Executive Council on an electoral process in the third tier government.
EMTV will bring you more updates on this developing story.
