All candidates contesting the Rigo Open seat are welcome to conduct their campaigns in the villages of Keapara, Alukuni and Karawa.
Three local leaders from the Rigo Coast LLG, Ward Member for Karawa, Mukura Pene, Keapara Councillor, Mape Iga and Alukuni Ward Member, Nopiri Hobart all travelled to Port Moresby today to clear the air the about misunderstandings surrounding candidates campaigning in their villages.
Incumbent Rigo MP, Ano Pala, is from this area in the Rigo Coast LLG and the three villages are his voter strongholds.
Mr. Iga assured the public that there is no threat of hostility in Karawa, Alukuni and Keapara.
“To clarify some news which has been going around in the city that Keapara, Alukuni villages have refused a candidate to enter or speak in Keapara. We’ve been told that there are people going around and tarnishing councillors’ names and community names.”
He said two different campaign groups had time clashes recently at Keapara village and this may have resulted in ill-feelings.
He said it was the responsibility of campaign committees to organise themselves and communicate with local leaders on the ground.
This is so that separate times can be scheduled accordingly for candidates to address the people. He reiterated that the three villages are safe and so far 7 candidates for the Open Seat and two candidates for the provincial seat have campaigned in the area.
He also invited candidates to come to the mentioned villages and campaign to promote free and fair elections.
