As reported earlier there was unprecedented money being thrown around in PNG to buy votes. Now that money is used to buy MPs. Cash has induced some MPs to shift from the party that enorsed them to new parties. Some instances, even prior to formal declaration of victory for MPs appearing to have the race sewn up. Namah's Party was trounced at the ballot box and the power-maniac is trying to buy a coalition. Not so fast you little back yard gardener. HoHoHo to Belden.
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PNG MPs cannot shift alliance until after govt formed - registrar
Posted at 22:54 on 23 July, 2012 UTC
Papua New Guinea’s Registrar of Political Parties and candidates says for MPs to switch to a new party from the one which endorsed them as a candidate in the election is a breach of organic law until after government is formed.
Dr Alphonse Gelu’s comment follows a move by a regional candidate in West Sepik Province to shift alliance from the Triumph Heritage Empowerment party to the PNG Party.
Although leading the count to become the new West Sepik Governor, Amkat Mai has announced his decision to move, even before the conclusion of counting and elimination.
Dr Gelu says he will issue a ruling on Mr Mai’s intended switch this week because such moves undermine the system.
“We will still maintain him under the THE Party because he was officially endorsed by that party and that is part of the process according to the Organic Law on national elections. The law is still very much in operation here so that person cannot switch now.”
Dr Alphonse Gelu says that Mr Mai is free to join the PNG Party after the formation of a government.
**The formation of O'Neill's Gov't that is**
