by Adelaide Kari – EM TV News, Port Moresby
University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) SRC spoke with EMTV News today, and stated that on Monday this week the SRC Executive attended the Electoral Commission to check on the status of their referendum.
A referendum was called to determine student opinion on further boycotting classes.
The response from the commission was that a confirmation letter from the UPNG administration was needed.
The UPNG SRC said they followed through with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Albert Mellam, who confirmed that he would contact the electoral commission in order for them to conduct the referendum.
The SRC allege that UPNG Administration confirmed to them that a referendum would be held today.
This did not eventuate, leaving the students confused.
Vice Chancellor Mellam was unable to give an interview.
EMTV News contacted the Electoral Commission today asking why a referendum was not held. The commission confirmed they had received the request letter from UPNG SRC, but also require a request letter from the university administration.
They are currently receiving legal advice on whether or not to conduct a referendum at UPNG.
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