BY: FELISHA KAPIPI
CHAIRMAN of the Teachers Services Commission Samson Wangihomie has summoned all teachers across the nation who want to contest in the upcoming by elections and Local Level Government elections to sign their resignation before contesting.
He said this after some teachers contested the elections in 2022 without resigning. Those that did not resign to contest will be terminated.
“While it is your constitutional right to contest the election, TSC is not denying your right, but rights come with responsibilities, so you have to be responsible,” he said.
A circular has been issued to all Education Division throughout the country regarding the LLG elections directed to teachers who are interested to contest in this election.
“I wish to emphasise as it is imperative for any member of the Teaching Service who wishes to participate in any LLG election to adhere to section 124 of the Teaching Service Act. You must submit a resignation letter before the issue of writs, clearly stating the resignation dates and let authorities know so you will be resigned accordingly.”
Section 124 of the Teaching Service Act allows resigned teachers to be reinstated after losing the elections. Applications of reinstatement must be submitted 2 months after writs are returned.
“ I call upon the leaders of the wards to report to your nearest education office about teachers who have not resigned and go on to contest and he/she will be dealt with accordingly for not following proper resignation process,” Wangihomie added.
“Whoever resign must immediately leave the school campus because there is no guarantee that the same school will take them back after losing the elections.
“Teachers who want to contest the PNGTA elections will not resign as it is for serving teachers and not retired teachers to contest.”
