By DALCY LULUA
ACTING Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan has welcomed two newly elected Members of Parliament after tabling the return of writs for recent by-elections.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Iguan said the writs were issued by the Sir Bob Dadae on December 4, 2025, to conduct by-elections to fill two vacant parliamentary seats following the deaths of sitting members.
One of the seats was for New Ireland Province, which became vacant after the passing of veteran leader and former prime minister Sir Julius Chan. The by-election resulted in Mr Byron Chan being duly elected and certified as the new Member for New Ireland Provincial.
The second seat was for the Dei District Open electorate, following the death of MP Steven Pim. Mr Desmond P. Kipa was certified as the duly elected Member for the electorate.
Mr Iguan informed Parliament that he had received the return of the writs and had administered the Declaration of Loyalty and the Declaration of Office to the two members earlier this month at the State Function Room.
Mr Byron Chan took his oath on February 20, while Mr Kipa was sworn in on February 23.
Mr Iguan then formally welcomed the two new members to Parliament.