By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Desmond Paul Kipa was officially been sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for the Dei Open Electorate today.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided by the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat.
Mr Kipa’s swearing-in marks the formal commencement of his parliamentary duties as the duly elected representative for the people of Dei in Western Highlands Province.
Mr Kipa said this was the 4th election he had contested since 2012.
He added that he started in 2012 as a young man, not married, graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea, with three years of work experience, and decided to answer the call to lead the people of Dei.
“Knowing very well that as a lawyer, I could contribute to debates in Parliament, develop policies, and deliver services for my people,” Mr Kipa said.
The new MP thanked his tribesmen and four council wards for believing in him and asking him to lead them.
Mr Kipa said they had wanted him to represent them in Parliament by contesting the elections.
“I also thanked the other two who are also from around those areas, who’ve been with me since day one to form the team,” Mr Kipa said.