By ORCHY REX
The Electoral Commission has officially returned the writs for the Kabwum Open By-election to the Governor General, confirming the successful completion of the electoral process and paving the way for newly elected Member of Parliament Patrick Basa to resume his parliamentary duties.
Mr Basa, endorsed by Our Party, was officially declared the winner on Friday, 1st August, after polling a total of 11,921 votes, securing the absolute majority of 50.1% required to claim victory.
The by-election was held following a court order which nullified the 2022 General Election result in Kabwum, citing irregularities in the “special circumstances” declaration made at that time. Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai explained the context behind the by-election.
“We have started this election on the 24th of April and completed on the 5th of August,” said Mr Sinai.
“Last election in Kabwum was destroyed during the polling and counting and we declared it under the special circumstances based on the recommendations from the Returning Officer. The court found that the special circumstances declaration was not right according to evidences that were provided and ordered for a by-election.”
The by-election was carried out over several months, culminating in the formal presentation of the writs at Government House in Port Moresby today. The ceremony was attended by the Returning Officer James Neapokali, Assistant Returning Officers, and other election officials from Kabwum.
Mr Sinai commended the efforts of the electoral team in ensuring the by-election was delivered peacefully and successfully in what is one of the most challenging districts for election operations.
“Kabwum is one of the 9 open electorates Morobe has, which is the biggest in the country, with the biggest population, and also very difficult to manage elections,” Sinai stated. “We have 5 electorates in the district also.”
The Electoral Commissioner took the opportunity to also update the media on other electoral operations, including ongoing and upcoming by-elections and the preparations for the nationwide Local Level Government (LLG) elections.
“We had some hijacks in the Pogera Paiyala by-election and those boxes have been directed to be put aside and the counting is going on,” he revealed. “We have delivered two already, and Aitape Lumi will be next, then followed by Usino Bundi and Pogera Paiyala districts.”
As the Commission gears up for the upcoming LLG elections, Mr Sinai assured that preparations are well underway.
“Ballot papers for the LLG elections are in print and ready for the 400 council wards and 40 LLGs throughout the country. The polling for LLG elections is also set to kick off on 27th of September.”
In his final remarks, the Commissioner appealed to the people to uphold peace and integrity throughout all electoral processes.
“My appeal to the people is for a safe and violence-free election so we respect the rules and democracy of this country.”
With the writs now returned, Patrick Basa is expected to be sworn into Parliament in the coming days and resume his role representing the people of Kabwum in the National Parliament.