By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE Opposition has expressed grave concerns about delays in conduction the Local Level Government (LLG) elections and the preparations for PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa said: “Independence is about six weeks away and I am very concerned with our preparations going towards the 50 years of celebration,”
“I am more concerned with the way elections are being done in the country, especially the Local Level Government elections,” he told a media conference on Tuesday.
“At the ward level there is not proper leadership structure as all the formers councilors and councilor presidents are now the intending candidates campaigning and preparing for elections.
“I am very concerned with the delay of the elections, and I know a lot of leaders are as well and want the Government to come out honestly and tell our councilors and tell our presidents about the long delay. The Electoral Commissioner must come out and state clearly to the people of PNG why the delay.
“With the independence celebrations coming up, we want our people and our local leaders to be part of it and take pride during these celebrations.
“On behalf of the councilors and intending councilors, LLG presidents and candidates, I make this call to our PM and the Electoral Commissioner to give some comfort to our people.”
Deputy Opposition Leader James Donald added: “As a former council president, I understand the frustrations our people down at the ground level.
“Right now, there is a complete vacancy in leadership on the ground as councilors and council presidents are all intending candidates and that shows that we have caused chaos,” he said.