Porgera-Paiela Sets a new Benchmark for Election: Sinai

By GEORGINA MICHAEL and DALCY LULUA

THE just completed Porgera-Paiela By-election has set a new benchmark for elections in Papua New Guinea, says Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai.

He commended the people of Porgera-Paiela for hosting one of the most peaceful elections in years, contrary to many have been thinking in terms of security issues.

“Going through the process, we have noticed and heard that election was successful, even though we think Porgera-Paiela is one of the places that has security issues.”

Mr Sanai said he was satisfied with the positive reports that has reached his office from the election officials, security personals and community leaders expressing overwhelming satisfaction in the manner in which the by-election election was conducted.

“The Porgera Valley for the first time has witnessed one of the most peaceful elections in the years and I commend everyone from candidates, supporters, community leaders and the people in general for taking ownership and observing the rule of law by allowing the election process to run its course and serve its intended purpose,” Mr Sinai said.

“The level of understanding and display of unity among the people clearly demonstrated people wanted change. And as a result, there is a positive outcome and we have leader who has been elected through the will of the people.”

Mr Sanai made the comments last week at PNGEC headquarter while receiving the writ for Porgera-Piela from returning officer Kennedy Peter in the presence of Member elected Gidron Maso Karipe and his supporters.

“For the first time I’m getting reports that people have prepared their meals early and got dressed up gathering at their respective polling locations and waiting patiently for polling to open and once their names were called by poling clerks they responded affirmatively and walk up to the polling booth, collect the ballot papers and go cast their votes. This use to be the practice many years ago during polling and we are beginning to see the glimpse of it again in this by- election,” Mr Sanai said.

“I am impressed with the outcome of the election and commended the people of Porgera-Paiela for proving their critics wrong and by ensuring a peaceful election in the true spirit of democracy.”