Morobe’s Provincial Executive Council has passed a resolution that the public will elect the President for Local Level Governments.
Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu said the LLG President’s seat should be mandated by the people, and not Ward Councillors.
Saonu said the decision made by the PEC would be passed to Provincial Affairs and the National Government for approval.
Local Level government presidents are elected in much the same way as Prime Ministers in Parliament.
Much of the lobbying happens at the Ward level where candidates try to muster as much support for their election into the LLG president’s post.
Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu wants that changed. He wants to see the people vote in the president.
He argues the system is not visible, transparent and efficient.
Last week, the Morobe provincial government passed a resolution for representation to be made to parliament to push for those changes.
This could mean changes to current legislation, which could then trigger changes to how LLG elections are conducted throughout the country.
There has been mixed reactions to the Tutumang resolution.
A resident from Salamaua in Huon District, Alestar Isala said, he agrees with resolution passed by the PEC members. He said the people should vote for their LLG Presidents and not through the lobby system.
EMTV News could not get a response from the Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato, on the national effects of the resolution passed by Morobe’s PEC.
Governor Saonu said the decision passed by the PEC members would be passed to the Provincial Affairs and the National Government for consideration.
1 comment
Absolutely. In terms of greater political participation, I want LLG Presidents to be mandate by the people.
I’m contesting for Pomotu Ndrehet Kurti Andra LLG in Manus, and my people also request for NEC to reconsider 2015 Resolution and let people exercise their respective democratic rights.