DALCY LULUA
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor William Powi  urged all electoral officials, candidates, and supporters to respect the electoral laws, uphold peace, and allow for a fair, free, and transparent Local Level Government (LLG) election in his province.
Governor Powi is calling for his people to demonstrate leadership by example and show the rest of the country that Southern Highlands Province can conduct itself with integrity, maturity, and unity during this critical process.
“As Governor, I remain neutral and will not interfere in the election process. I see all
candidates and voters as my people, and it is my duty to ensure fairness and unity during this important democratic exercise.
Any form of favouritism or interference would only promote disunity and conflict, which I strongly oppose.”
The province has five (5) districts which are; Imbonggu, Mendi-Munhiu, Ialibu-Pangia, Kagua-Erave and Nipa-Kutubu and has 22 LLG President seats and over 500 Ward Councillors seats whilst 3 mayoral seats in the urban towns of Mendi, Nipa and Ialibu respectively.
The Provincial Governor emphasized that the LLG election is a vital part of the democratic process and is the foundation of the third tier of government.
He said it is through this process that our people at the grassroots level have the power to elect their Ward Councillors, who in turn will elect the LLG Presidents at their respective LLG chambers.
He also stressed that the 22 Presidents will then take their seats in the Southern Highlands Provincial Assembly, where Governor Powi will not only work with them as fellow Members of the Assembly but also as their Chairman.
Meanwhile, Governor Powi points out that in accordance to the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-Level Governments, one-third of the Assembly members will be appointed to the Provincial Executive Council (PEC), and from among them, a Deputy Governor will be chosen to help lead and manage the affairs of the province.