By DALCY LULUA
THE PNG Electoral Commission has returned the writs for the Aitape-Lumi Open and Porgera-Paiela by-elections, following the declaration of Anderson Mise and Gidron Maso Karipe respectively as the duly elected Members of Parliament.
The writs were returned during a brief but significant ceremony held at Government House in Port Moresby, where Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai presented the official documents to Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
The by-election for Aitape-Lumi was ordered by Court of Disputed Returns whilst the by-election for Porgera-Paiela was conducted following the death of late MP Maso Karipe.
Aitape-Lumi MP-elect Anderson Mise was declared on Wednesday, 6 August after polling a total 19,670 votes while member elect for Porgera-Paiela Gidron Maso Karipe was declared on Thursday, 7 August after polling a total of 19,336 votes.
Electoral Commissioner Sinai acknowledged the smooth conduct of the by-elections and thanked electoral officials, polling staff, security personnel and voters in the two electorates.
The ceremony was witnessed by members elect Mr Mise (Aitape-Lumi) and Mr Karipe (Porgera-Paiela) with Commerce and Industry Minister Win Bakri Daki Minister for Commerce, Transport Minister Mikki Kaeok and Minister for Higher Education Research Science and Technology Kinoka Feo.
With 17 months remaining for the 2027 National General Elections, the newly elected MPs are faced with limited time to deliver for their districts but are hopeful they will fulfill their elections promises.