By DALCY LULUA
JOEL Rimbu is the president elect for the University of Papua New Guinea Student Representative Council (UPNG SRC) for 2024 academic year.
He was officially declared today at the UPNG Forum Square in front of the student body and UPNG Administration by the Returning Officer Mr. Desmon Timiyaso.
The Presidential Election was held two weeks ago, however, declaration was delayed due to issues relating to the supporters of fellow runner-up causing mayhem which made Police to intervene and burn ballot papers.
However, after careful deliberation by the UPNG Administration and the Electoral Commission, Mr. Rimbu was finally announced as elected president.
Mr Rimbu passed the absolute majority of 1439 votes with 1454 votes and finished first after the final elimination of Steven Puri.
Fellow Law student Wilson Talibe finished second with 1423 votes with a difference of only 31 votes.
A happy Rimbu said he is privileged and stressful at the same time as he was at the last when the counting started.
He said to come from last and finished first is very exciting.
“One thing I am satisfied with is the election process,” Mr. Rimbu said.
“I made sure that every due process of election was conducted without involving in any sort of behavior that will cause interruption in the counting.
“I give credits to my supporters for that as well.”
Rimbu said he is looking forward to work closely with the student body and the school administration and appeal to the students to be cooperative with his team.
“My intention for contesting was to serve the students in terms of administrative issues so as pushing for initiation for infrastructures, security and other issues in the campus that needs to be addressed,” Rimbu said.
He said running for leadership post is not a new thing as he was a student leader from his primary days up to his high school days.
Mr. Rimbu said he was awarded leadership role for performing his role well and he believed he will bring in some changes to the institution for the benefit of the institution and the student body as whole.
“I want to thank those individuals who helped my team financially including those who believed in me and voted for me.
“I look forward to polish things and will try my best to deliver in the coming year,” he added.
Mr. Rimbu also thanked his supporters, especially the Southern Highlands Student Union Body for showing maturity in taking lead in supporting his campaign.
“This is the kind of unity the province needs right now, put aside differences and coming together as true Southern Highlander and supporting each other for a common goal.”
Mr. Rimbu is a third-year Law student and is originally from Kagua-Erave District in Southern Highlands Province.
