Writs delay stops not the coallition building, minister appointents and avanced planning if the 'legit' O'Neill Gov't.

**********

By Online Editor
4:03 pm GMT+12, 25/07/2012, Papua New Guinea

The date for the return of writs may be extended from July 27, 2012 to a date yet to be decided.

Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen may ask for an extension of date of return of writs because of the delays in the counting process in less than 50 electorates nationwide.

“Taking in account delays in the counting process in less than 50 electorates nationwide, the extension of the date for the return of writs to His Excellency the Governor General appears to be the likely scenario,” he said.

“So far, writs all the writs for Hela and New Ireland provinces, Ialibu-Pangia, Kandep, Wapenamanda and Hagen have been returned. I expect writs for those declared electorates by the end of business tomorrow.

“Last week, I set the deadline for all the writs to be returned to me by Wednesday July 25 to give me enough time to go through the election results and returns to prepare my advice to the Governor General. Unfortunately that is not likely the case now.

“I will now assess counting in those provinces that are still going on so that I can be able to estimate a time frame to advise the Governor General accordingly,” he said.

In another development, former unionist and Peoples National Congress (PNC) party candidate Michael Malabag is the new member elect for the Port Moresby North-West seat.

Malabag in his inaugural address said he is committed to addressing unemployment issues in Port Moresby and fight for workers rights during his term in Parliament.

“As a former head of PNG Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC), I will be working with the youths to address unemployment issues and will fight and push for workers rights.

“I’ll try to find means and ways to eradicate poverty and help youths to be self -sustainable.

“There must be an increase in disciplinary forces as the population of PNG is increasing,” he added.

He further stated that in this year’s 2012 elections, high qualified candidates have been elected and urged them to use their knowledge and skills for the development of the country.

“I urge all of you to show your true colours on the floor of Parliament, what we preach to obtain votes must be seen by the people.

“The country’s democracy must be maintained and protected. The three arms of Government must be enshrined,” Malabag stressed.

The current PNC policies of free education and free health services must be translated into reality, people must see it happening and feel it.

“In free health services, the Government must provide for life saving equipments in hospitals here and patients must not be turned back and referred to private or overseas hospitals.

“In free education, school classrooms, desks, libraries, teachers’ houses, computer laboratories, water and other basic infrastructures must also be looked into as well,” he added.

Malabag won the seat vacated by the retired Member for Moresby North-West and former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta.