By Rocky Issou
GRAND CHIEF Sir Bob Dadae has retained his post as Governor General after edging out former PNG ambassador to the UK Ms Winnie Kiap.
Out of 104 votes Sir Bob Dadae was elected with a total of 71 votes ahead of Ms Kiap who collected 33 votes, with National Alliance foundation member Steven Pokawin eliminated in the first round of the secret ballot collecting 3 votes.
Following the elimination of Pokawin the second secret ballot was held which saw Sir Bob Dadae retain his seat with 71 votes to 33.
Deputy Opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa was first to convey his congratulations to all that contested and had this message for Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
“The Governor General must remain impartial at all times, the Governor General is the guardian of the PNG Constitution, his election is an election of confidence and must serve the nation.” Tomuriesa said.
“The buck stops with you Governor General.” He added.
In offering his congratulations Prime Minster James Marape said the ruling Pangu Pati and other members of the Coalition Government supported the re-election of Sir Bob Dadae as Governor-General in Parliament to maintain “continuity and stability”.
Our Founding Fathers, who wrote the Constitution, saw that in 1975 and gave this office a six-year tenure ship with a constitutional provision for second term.
“This is the highest office of our democracy, and when the incumbent’s work is without disrepute, he as the symbolic head of our country representing our King must continue.
Prime Minster Marape then thanked Ms Kiap and Mr Pokawin for their candidacy for Governor-General.
“The two other candidates were a woman and man of high standing, but last year, even before they showed interest, we had resolved for continuity and stability in the office of the Head of State of our country,” he said.
PM Marape stressed that although Pangu and the Coalition had resolved to support Sir Bob, leaders were allowed to vote on conscience, for the candidate of their choice.
Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae will serve the nation as Vice Regal for another 6 years as King Charles representative, his second term begins next month.
