It’s been a long drawn out day for the electoral commission on the final day of the nominations for the 2022 national parliament election
The issue at the center is the returning officer for Hagen open.
A while ago, the electoral commissioner confirmed Willie Ropa as Returning Officer for Hagen Open.
Simon Sinai clarified this following the Supreme Court ruling earlier today.
“The supreme court granted the stay application and made an order saying the restraining order of May 12 2022 granted by the national court- which in effect authorized Mr Amos Noifa to act as the returning officer for Mt Hagen electorate. A consequent order was also made for Mr Noifa to return all the nominations already made to him, to the duly appointed Returning Officer, Willie Ropa before 4pm this afternoon.” Sinai said.
“For the clarification of the general public, the issue of who is the legally appointed Returning officer for the Hagen Open electorate still remains in court”.
He further appeals to the people of Hagen to remain calm and respect the processes.
