By PATRICK TOM
CANDIDATES contesting the 2022, National General Election in the respective seats are calling on the Electoral Commission to go ahead with the polling scheduled date which is Friday, July 8, 2022.
In a joint press conference held in Port Moresby yesterday (Wednesday) when the candidates noticed that polling dates for National Capital District which supposed to be Wednesday but deferred at the 11th hour when candidates noticed odd numbers on the ballot boxes and presiding officers training were conducted in the night.
Diane Unagi Koiam, one of the female candidates contesting shed tears when speaking of the moments she came to notice all the happenings and couldn’t believe her eyes.
She told the media that she was one of the only female candidates who was there and saw it and raised the alarm.
“I am in disbelief that this happened at the time when I am contesting, following the footsteps of her father who was the former Member of Parliament in his time.
“After 35 years and I am still seeing this sickening thing happening again.
“Are we in a democratic country that is going into its 11th election?” she said with tears in her eyes.
She strongly urged the electoral commission for the lack of leadership and directions shown during this important time of the year.
Another female candidate, Sylvia Pascoe said the fault is with the electoral commission for failing its part to get things sorted out in time and prepared for the election.
Ms Pascoe said the EC cannot just point the fingers to the candidates.
“This is an administrative issues and the lack of leadership shown when everybody (citizens) in the city were gearing up to cast their votes,” she said.
Andy Bawa who is also running for the second election strongly condemns the actions of the EC official for the lack of leadership and direction shown in getting the election materials ready for polling.
He pin pointed that somebody has to be held accountable for the actions.
“It is about time, someone held accountable for such delaying tactics and causing inconveniences or confusions,” added Mr Bawa.
He make comparisons that if Hela, one of the Province known for lawlessness can vote peacefully without any hiccups; what is wrong with the capital city.
“Good precedence shown by Hela and other provinces who voted first peacefully and NCD is no exception.
We all must go to the poll on July 8, 2022 (tomorrow) as rescheduled by the NCD Electoral Commission official,” Andy Bawa said.
