From the recent visit to Kandep last/this week, here are the hot tips for the Kandep By-Elections: 1. (Loya) Alfred Luke Manase 2. Kenneth Yonge Andrew (under-dog) 3. Don Pomb Polye 4. Etc…..
Polye is targeting a victory on the first count but he’ll be bogged to <15 000 votes while Manase will trail behind on aprox. 13 000. While Polye will stuck to <15 000 votes, Kenneth Andrews’ Peter Mission’s, Be Peo’s and Herman Anep’s 2 votes will rocket shoot him up to a aprox. 42 000 victory, (Loya) Alfred Manase is the new MP for Kandep Open electorate.
The following are the current happenings from both the political elites:
Don Polye: 1. It is revealed that with the latest Bank Statement from Kandep Trust Account, PNGK27 Million went missing between January and August 2009. Current balance is now K550 000. The bulk of the Million Kinas have go to 2 x major contracting companies in Kandep (names with held) and several thousands of Kinas to several business groups also in Kandep. All gone with 5 months with nothing good for Kandep. 2. So far set 3 rallies with less crowds, much vehicles, most people, especially the real Kanakaes hope on the 3 huge Hino dump trucks to/from Hagen/Wabag to Kandep. They hang on the trucks like flying foxes. So far 5 hospitalised for incidents in this regard. 3. Somare attended the first rally in Kandep Station, only to find out that there was no Polye and people to welcome, not even the police to escort him. He then had to go back to the plane and wait for aprox. 20 mins before Polye’s supporters came with a convey of cruisers and tipper trucks to stand him up on a truck used as the grand stand for the Prime Minister of PNG to talk to the PNG citizens of Kandep, Enga Province. Somare said that day that he was there to support his NA party and not an individual. “Lapun Somare bai stap Prime Minister yet inap long taim em I dai, bai narla pikini ya bai kisim ples….Member blo Kandep em stap long han blo pipol blo Kandep ye na mi nogat toktok lo disla”. 4. Polye lied the Kandep Kiaps (Magistrates) last week. Promising that he’ll pay them but later told them that he’ll pay them after he wins the by-election. He told them to be firm with himself is they want money. (This is what my Kiap told me after he returned from Kandep Stattion). 5. His money, pigs, taro, sugar cane, kaukau, the so called contributions from recent rallies in Hagen, Banz and Wabag have never been distributed to his supporters. 6. Polye told his supports to be firm, until he wins the by-election and pay out all his debts (money, pigs, votes, etc…) 7. Seems to be fooling himself: “Wanem moa yu laikim” “Nambam Naping Ong Anung Napius?” is a vague foster to the Kandepians as portrayed on his campaign poster. The road condition is now very bad. The Wasa culvert of the great Lai River is now sinking into the mud. Polye has yet to pay the 6 million court expanses to Manase’s Law Firm for loosing the last election case. Some millions in debts for all those local businessmen in Kandep who supported him in cash and thousands worth of pigs for the Kandep kanakaes. The majority of these very people are now backsliding from Polye and teaming up with Alfred, Peter, Kenneth and Pepo. Because Polye is doubting this election, He is now concentrating on FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES OUT SIDE OF KANDEP TO SUSTAIN HIMSELF ON THE LIFE AFTER KANDEP BY-ELECTION.
Alfred Manase: 1. Rallies after rallies, people flooding into his flock. 2. Backsliders from Polye admitting that their debts with Polye is long over due. It is now their choice to choose the leader of their choice. 3. All Kandep’s educated people are supporting him, this including school kids and their parent as they think Don will do the same to them in future. 4. Very strong back-ups with the 2 votes from Peter Mision. Kenneth Andrew, Be Pepo and Herman Anep. 5. 70% of Marianth Constituency is now declared as Alfred’s, Polye’s Kamberep people have fallen, it’s all Alfred’s from Sawi to Last Wer while. To the Lai side, Alfred and Don receives a 30% share each with Kenneth the highly ranked of 40% with Alfred’s default 2 votes to accelerate the victory !!!... 6. Alfred seems to be the Kandep People’s choice at not even one cost at all. 7. Alfred promised the people that he makes laws and he will never break the laws he created when he become the next Kandep MP. Kandep people immediately wants to see the K27 Million Kina back into Kandep Trust Account. With the total of K64 Million (remaining K37 million from the last NEC Meeting in Wabag yearly this year), the Kandep people are now crying for: 1. Upgraded and sealed road condition the main highway from Niung to Mendi/Magarima and all road links within Kandep. 2. Improve the Kandep Health Centre and other Clinics and Aid Posts. 3. Upgrade Kandep High School and all feeder schools in Kandep. 4. The rest can come in later!!!....... said the people of Kandep.
Polling takes place this coming Monday, 16th November 2009.
Polling is taking place today............. GOD BLESS KANDEP FOR THE RIGHT LEADER!!!.... ..................................... TheNation extract for today: Police set for Kandep polls
By PETER SAA MOBILE squads from the Highlands and Momase regions were sent into Enga Province yesterday to conduct the Kandep by-election today. Special operations commander Supt Joseph Morehari of Port Moresby police headquarter, who is in control of the mobile squads said in Wabag that all members of the squads from the Highlands and Momase, numbering more than 300, were already in Kandep to control and conduct the polling. Supt Morehari said their deployment was to secure a safe environment for the Electoral Commission to conduct the by-election. “The commission will conduct the by-election while police will ensure that there is peace for the voters to elect ther leaders,” Supt Morehari said. He said he will have enough police with him today during the polling. Supt Morehari said the police would not do anything except provide security and the election was for the Kandep people and the people should make sure the election is conducted peacefully. Supt Morehari said anybody going against the polling policy from the Electoral Commission would be arrested on the spot. He said the simple rule was to follow the polling officials’ directives for an effective election process. Supt Morehari appealed to the Kandep people to respect the rule of law. “There is no reason to start having conflicts. I’m pretty sure the Kandep people will listen to my positive advice to conduct a peaceful election for them to elect one of the candidates who they feel is capable to represent them and who will provide services,’’ Supt Morehari said.
Kaim O thanks for all these info. You are doing a fantastic job. Kenneth was one year behind me at KHS. My only concern is he was implicated in missusing a Jimi MP's District development fund. But we all learn from our mistakes so if he wins I think he will be a good leader for Kandep. Alfred is a businessman on his own right and I am sure he will not lead us astray. He is the man. Be Bepo I think does not have any leadership quality though he has the money to campaign. Peter is a seasoned campaigner but you know I have my reservations for failed top public servants. PNG post implications when he occupied the top job. Thieves are always thieves no matter what. Personally he is my Amberep mate and a good friend so I have no problem. I don't know Herman Anep so could you update me on his background. GO KANDEP GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WERTLANDER
What else can we do if Don Polye is simply doing nothing and very obvious that he is a thief. Latest about Polye is that, 7 of his men are locked behind the bars at Wabag. They were caught at Laigam, Kanaek Village for transporting high powered guns in one of Polyes 10 seater cruisher. The task force belted them up and locked them up for further hearing.
Herman Anep is the Lae city planner. Does not know much but the good of him is that he is with the team for the good of Kandep.
Kandep people have already pushed forward for Alfred Manase. And Alfred himself had admitted that he is unhappy with th epoor progress of Kandep district.
Let's wait and hear the good news!!!!!!!.... Have asked the boys to call me from Yapum (digicel pick up) and will let you know what the progress is.
Polye smuggled some unknown Kandepians (Laipon Speakers from Wal, Wapenamanda. Could be from Sharon, his 5th wife's place and placed them in several of his base vote areas. Police have caught some of them, placed them on Polye's dump trucks and gone off beyond Lian Border under moblie escort.
Polling took place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Counting is starting right now.
To sum up the main events during polling: 1. One of Don Polye’s troop carrier was smashed and tyres cut into pieces when the vehicle was rushing to Station from Last Wer. While in a hurry, it bumped a mother and her baby. Baby died instantly. Angrily, the father’s tribe caught up with the driver and the passengers and damaged the vehicle. 2. Cr. John Yaka (Polye’s strong pillar) tried to do some foul play at his rest house. Police caught him red handed and belted him up. He is now hospitalised. 3. A Pao man climbed on the eye in the sky with Polye’s votes. The pilot reported the suspect from the air and once the chopper landed, the police were on stand by and they belted him as well. Also hospitalised again with My. Yaka. 4. Kenneth Andrew’s base vote at Titip and Kaniand were destroyed by Polye’s armed men. 5. Police have done a major role in making sure there was peace and like what happened last election had never happened again in Kandep. The hottest tips are: 1. Alfred Manase 2. Kenneth Andrew 3. Don Polye
Kaim Thank you, again job well done. Its time to kick Polye out of Kandep for good. Reading the two papers I was not sure whos boxes got burnt at Biote but with this info I am clear now. I am praying that Alfred will win and be the leader of kandep. Polye won the last two elections through vote wrigging so this time will not work again. I will ask my boys from last Wert to give me a report on those hired mercenaries from Wala (Wapenamanda). I am partly from Tsak so should have some idea. Once again thank you for the info. I will be celebrating myself in the Ausieland when Don losses and Alfred wins. Kandep is beautifual, after all. Cheers Wertlander
* Last Wer and towards Mendi areas had their polling on Wednesday and fight broke out from there with Don’s men trying to threaten some ballot papers. * 2 x Akuyl men killed by Don’s supporters * Alfred’s village at Nagulam is destroyed also by Don’s men. * Road from Kokas to Murip is completely blocked by Don;s men to prevent ballot boxes to move out. * Station is at very high tense.
Can not get very full details due to no mobile coverage, neither at Murip due to road blocks. Kandep is looking forward to a blood shed. The government must do something quickly to have the counting in Wabag!!!...
Polling turns ugly By PHILIP KEPSON THREE people are reportedly killed, several injured and thousands of kina worth of properties destroyed in Kandep as supporters of two prominent candidates clashed over election related issues, according to government authorities. Acting Enga provincial police commander Albert Beli, who said earlier in the day that the situation in Kandep was “very tense” was not available to give details on situation in Kandep as the by-election ended yesterday. The by-election was first planned for one day but was forced to be extended for another two days as a result of bad road and weather conditions coupled with election related violence instigated by supporters of candidates. The police officer in charge of the special operation in Kandep and election authorities could not be reached because of bad communication problem. Also, election officials in the counting room in Kandep station, which is hooked up with satellite phone, could not be talked to even though the phone was ringing the whole day yesterday. Other means of communication with people including government officials around Kandep station was not possible. However, other government authorities including low ranking police officers, district government authorities, village court magistrates, provincial law and order officials, teachers and village leaders from different parts of the district confirmed last night that the situation in Kandep station was going from bad to worse with supporters of candidates attacking each other with guns and other weapons. Leaders and government officials in Lower and Upper Wage, Upper Lai, Middle Wage and Murip wheat farm station said three people were shot dead by supporters of one candidate while another candidate escaped death when he was shot at by the supporters of another candidate with a pistol at the Kandep government station. Walupim Primary School headmaster Elizah Wae, who fled Kandep station yesterday to Upper Lai for safety at the border of Lagaip/Porgera and Kandep, said another body was reportedly found at the southern end of Kandep station yesterday morning. Three other people were shot dead yesterday around the station area while properties including houses were destroyed, Mr Wae said. He said the polling did not end peacefully as expected as gunmen prevented election officials from going to conduct polling in three areas in Upper Lai and Mariant areas. Councillor Timothy Kilimin from Lawe 2 also confirmed the fighting around the Kandep station. He said supporters of a candidate had threatened to remove culverts and drop trees across the road if the Electoral Commission decided to transport the ballot boxes to a safer venue. Mr Kilimin said thousands of people around Central Kandep were living in fear of being attacked by disappointed supporters of candidates and relatives of victims while the situation on the road between Kandep station and Murip was unsafe. He said the chances of having the counting in Kandep were very slim as election and other government officials were also in fear of being attacked. “The general situation in Kandep is now very tense and dangerous. There’s no guarantee that the peoples’ lives are safe. That is why the top government authorities must come up with a decision to prevent more violence, including deaths,” he said. Electoral Commission and top police authorities could not be reached for comments last night. Kandep violence claims two TWO deaths were reported in Kandep as violence caused polling in three areas to be cancelled, and counting of votes shifted to Mt Hagen. Polling in three areas scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled because of violence, denying about 1,000 their right to vote. Returning officer Poevare Tore cancelled polling in Savi, Myuan and Tarapis due to fighting and attempts to change registered polling venues. Mr Tore told a crowd that gathered outside Kandep station yesterday that he had decided to cancel polling and would not change his mind. He said he would not risk putting his polling officers in areas where there was trouble. A chopper was heading into Tarapis to drop a polling team on Wednesday, but the pilot turned back when he saw people fighting on the ground as he was preparing to land. Clash between supporters of candidates occurred in a number of areas. At the Kandep station, a fight broke out and supporters of rival candidates used sticks, stones, axes and bush knives to attack each other. Three vehicles were smashed in the clash, before security forces intervened to disperse the fighting factions. John Yakka, the council president for Kandep pointed his finger at a candidate (named) for starting the fight. Meanwhile, a small girl walking along the side of a road with her mother was killed when hit by a vehicle allegedly owned by a candidate. Her mother was seriously injured and taken to hospital. Police said the girl and her mother were hit by a speeding car near the Kandep station. They are investigating the incident. In another incident, a man was axed to death following an argument over the elections on Wednesday evening. His body was dumped near a village called Wasa. A police unit went into the area yesterday morning and retrieved the body, which was later handed to relatives.
Amenaik From what you are saying and reports from the papers, it seems like Polye is loosing. That is the reason why his people are resorting to violence thinking that they will intimidate the kandepen mass and win under threat. I think two times is enough and this time will be too late. Amenaik can you enlighten me on the location where polling was called off, is it Sawi or Savi and if it is Savi which constiteuncy is it located in? Once again I will be glued to this site in the coming days for the progress in the by-election. Amenaik, a job well done.
All the ballot boxes have been transported to Mt. Hagen yesterday. They are now in Kimininga Police Barracks. Polling will commence on Monday, next week.
I do appreciate those of you who are sharing infor here, but i'd appreciate a more "neutral" report on the things happening at the ground. I mean, i really dont care who wins, but i'd be delighted to know a fair reporting. so far it appears that those exchanging views here seem to be those from "one camp". thats good. but it would be much better we also got information either from the "other group" or someone in-between.
I get what you mean, but what else can I say if I can tell the Enga Waipii about the happenings in my place (Kandep). These are the facts and figures from what I am seeing. The so called leaders who are so desperate in money making adventures who are ruining the lives of Kandep people.
The polling is taking place tomorrow at Kimininga police barracks and will keep you posted of the counting.
two things. one, do know that we ALL appreciate the "eyewitness accounts" being shared here - as they happen. Two, one reading each line can also read between the lines that the reports are to a larger degree "coloured" by political divides and are thus less objective.
Poll ambush Source: ZACHERY PER and JAMES APA GUMUNO Picture: POLICE and Electoral Commission (EC) officials were trapped last Friday night in Kandep after armed villagers cut trees to block the highway to prevent them from moving ballot boxes out of the town. There was a heavy exchange of gunfire as police stood their ground to protect and defend election officials and the ballot boxes containing the registered votes. According to reports reaching The National from Kandep, all hell broke loose after the EC decided not to conduct polling in three polling areas, and to move the counting of votes from Kandep to Mt Hagen. Fighting and the presence of gunmen had prevented helicopters from going into Tarapis, Muyan and Sawi 2 polling areas to conduct polling. The situation became so bad that returning officer Poevare Tore made the decision to abandon polling in those areas. He also made the decision to move counting of votes to Mt Hagen after counting and polling officials expressed grave fears about their safety. Sources said after receiving reports that there were plans to destroy the ballot boxes, police and polling officials moved out of Kandep in a convoy of vehicles. But they drove straight into an ambush near the Kandep High School. Trees were felled and placed across the highway for about three kilometers. The convoy then came under attack, and police returned fire. “We came under attack, but the police stood their ground. We dug in and stayed up all night,” an official, who asked not to be named, said. Police called for reinforcements, and on Saturday morning, helicopters brought in new supplies of ammunition, along with two chainsaws, which were used to cut the trees felled across the road and remove them. Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Highlands, Simon Kauba, confirmed the road block and the attack on the EC officials and policemen. He said although supporters of candidates had fired shots at them, the police were quick to respond by moving the ballot boxes and officials to Kandep High School. “I commend the policemen for their efforts to save the ballot boxes and Electoral Commission officials and bring them to safety,” ACP Kauba said. He said some ugly scenes were witnessed in Kandep last Thursday as supporters of candidates openly attacked each other. He said that prominent candidates present there had failed to control their supporters and ensure respect for the rule of law. “The atmosphere was unfriendly, therefore counting officials wanted counting to be conducted outside of Kandep because it was unsafe,” ACP Kauba said. EC officials and police told The National in Goroka yesterday soon after arriving from Kandep that they had to send a helicopter to Mt Hagen to pick up two chainsaws and petrol to cut the felled trees to pave the way for vehicles to pass through. An election official, who declined to disclose his name, said it was a frightening experience and he was “relieved” to be out of Kandep. He said the highway was blocked off by several felled trees for about 3km. The fully armed policemen walked the stretch of the road block to cut the trees and clear the blockage for 70 vehicles to pass through at a snail’s pace. He said they spent Friday night at the roadblock under heavy police guard. Another official involved in flying polling officials and ballot papers to various locations said it was a very frightening experience and he would never go back there again. “If this is a taste of what is to come in 2012, good luck to those going up there,” he said. There were reports that the Kandep district treasury office and other buildings had been burnt to the ground, but this could not be confirmed. Police could not put a figure on election-related fatalities, although one candidate said there could be as many as 15 deaths so far. Meanwhile, during a press conference on Saturday, candidate Alfred Manase claimed it was the supporters of candidate Don Polye who had cut trees and blocked the road. Mr Manase said Mr Polye should be arrested for engaging his people to block the road. But Mr Polye rejected this claim, saying that disgruntled Kandep voters who were not able to cast their votes had blocked the road. Mr Polye said he actually physically removed the roadblock at Kokas and this was witnessed by police.
Counting in Goroka due to security fears Source: ZACHERY PER Picture: THE counting of ballots for the Kandep Open by-election will take place in Goroka this week. Some 74 ballot boxes were transported out of Kandep via Mt Hagen under tight police security into Goroka yesterday. Assistant Police Commissioner Highlands region, Simon Kauba, confirmed that the counting venue has been shifted to Goroka. He said because of the security threats in Kandep, the counting venue was initially changed to Mt Hagen. But the Electoral Commission in a last-minute decision changed the venue again to Goroka over the weekend. Eastern Highlands provincial police commander, acting Chief Supt Augustine Wampe, yesterday confirmed the engagement of 300 policemen to transport the ballot boxes to Goroka and their deployment at the counting venue. Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen is believed to have directed the change of the counting venue from Kandep to Mt Hagen and now to Goroka. Previously, it was agreed that counting would be done in Kandep. But violence and security threats caused the polling and counting officials to demand that the venue be changed. Counting officials opted for counting to take place out of Kandep after they witnessed several clashes involving high-powered firearms between supporters of rival candidates. The change of the venue has irked some candidates who want the Electoral Commission to tell them the reason for the change of venue to Goroka. Candidates Luke Alfred Manase, Peter Mision Yaki and Be Pepo held a press conference in Mt Hagen yesterday calling on Mr Trawen to tell them the reason for the change of venue. Attempts to get comments from Mr Trawen yesterday were unsuccessful. The return of writs for the by-election is set for Dec 11.
Fellow concern commentators, I see no problem at all in us discussing what is the biggest problem in Kandep and Enga right now. All that you are hearing and reading about is Polye and supporters taking the law into their own hands. Polye is the man who is going to loss a lot if he losses. His supporters are not going to recieve rest of the K27 million. If you guys have anything to contribute on either side of the camps, please do so because it will enlighten our understanding of the whole process. Otherwise Don is going mad because he is losing and cannot entertain the too many wives. Kandepen for life and proud of it.
sometimes the media leaves us in suspense. all they say is "one of the candidate" or a "prominent candidate" so we do appreciate "attaching a name" to those candidates.
so please.......such facts are very important to fill in the vacuum left by the media.
The mayhem in Kandep (with pictures of roadblocks with fallen trees) goes to show ELECTIONS and DEMOCRACY are dead in Kandep. It's a wonder whether traditional Kingdoms are at war with each other - with the winner to be reigning over all by force. Do the Kandepens think there is no life without associating oneself with a budding politician?
Let's grow up and view the political and election process from a distance and give our vote to whoever we think deserve the vote and get on with our daily life. The hype, weirdo's and madness about pig killing, political rallies and all the rubbish are really unnecessary. The Kandep open seat is just another rotten seat at the Parliament House. Why suffer and die for this?
Kaim Engan, I thought it was only me having difficulty accessing online papers but it is everybody. The last thing I heard was counting will be suspended for re-polling in 3 areas missed because of Rambo style supporters holding the good citizens at ransom. Wertander
All government houses to the public servants that supported Manase had their house hold stuff ripped off by Polye's supporters, They are now pulling off the iron roofings, walls, etc... So far 2x old Akuyl men who were in fact minding their own business had their faces chopped off by Polye's warriors. Peopla have fled and Kandep Station is now rulled by Polye's so called Hire Man ( most of them were the Laiagam as I saw some from by binicular). The road block at Kokas by Polye's supporters was a worse nightmare to the polling officials and the police force. This was due to Polye's first intention to Win after the first count at Kandep Tally Room, and you know what would happen if it happened but thank God, the nature did not like it the Polye's way!!!. Polling officials refused to go back to Kandep even though Polye argued at Goroka that a re-poll be conducted at 3 unpolled areas so the 3 areas were cancelled. Road is safe for Polye's people to use the Kokas-Laiagam way while the rest will travel via Mendi as I did. Situation is at very high tense!!..
After counting 26 x ballot boxes in Polye's concentrate areas like Lakalap, Kolopa, Gin 1, Yapum, Imail, Murip, etc.... below are the current figures: Polye 7, 500 Manase 2, 600 Anep 1, 900
Counting was suspended over the weekend due to complaint raised by other candidates over polling officials being too selective in counting Polye's base vote/ballotbox areas.
Counting continues today. Will keep you updated shortly.
Pyaren Pyaro. ................reporting from APO KANTRI
Pyaren I needed this update as the papers decided not to print anything on it. It seems like they only want to print the killings and but not the progress. Any idea whether alfred had his base vote areas counted?
11 x boxes counted. All boxes relating to Polye's base vote areas like Murip, Tesre, Kambia, Kalimang, Peldak, Sawi 1, Wer 2, Longap, Pura, etc.... There are only 2 boxes for Polye remaining and the rest with Manase's base votes and 31 boxes yet to count, they'll probably double up counts by today: Current figures:
The security is now getting very tight from police and out to candiate supporters to ensure peace is maintained all the way through the second count. There are rumours that chaos may occur to declare the Kandep MP at first count. 2 x Manase's scrutineers were beaten up inside the tally room over them complaining about some of Manase's base votes should be counted together with Polye's base votes. They are now hospitalised. However, the nature will not allow further incidents as with first unsuccessful evil plans done at Kandep right after the polling.
Summary for today's update: Polye will be bogged to aprox. 13, 000 when Manase will almost catch Polye at around 7, 000 because the rest of the boxes will be shared by Anep, Pepo, Andrew and Mision. With the 2 counts for Anep, Pepo, Andrew and Mission, the LPV system will take Manase to Victory of 30-35 thousand votes.
Hope the devil does not step in to interfer. God Bless Kandep.
27 ballot boxes were supposed to be counted by yesterday, this time the 2 x last ballot boxes for Polye’s base votes from Wage side and rest to Manase and his team. However, they first disputed the Alowaip 1, 2, 3 boxes which were purely Manase’s. Manase’s team of candidates and the supporters had a protest yesterday for the polling team to explain the reasons for disputing the boxes. Protestors asked the DRO to explain the reasons for disputing Manase’s boxes and he refused to answer. Counting is still under suspension.
This is absolute bribery from a devil who is so desperate to be the next MP for Kandep. We even notice guns from him but Pyaren Pyaro is even getting very tight that he will not do anything. All his ways are closely monitored and blocked off untill yesterday he bribed the DRO.
Hope peace is maintained right through to count 2 or even 3 so that the true leader wins!!! God Bless Kandep!!!
again i say this........your upto date reporting from the ground - as it unfolds each moment is truly appreciated. I know i said this already...I do thankyou (and others who are also reporting) again.
we are waiting for more........and or how about the issues concerning the "issue of writ"......?
It seems Don Polye, after gather more than 50% of first votes, is retaining his seat after the first count alone. Maybe he was supposed to win fair and square. The people of Kandep should now know and accept who the undisputable MP for Kandep is. Let him serve out his years until 2012.
OUSTED Kandep MP Don Pomb Polye is to be declared winner of the Kandep by-election after he polled well over 54 per cent of the first preferential votes at the close of counting yesterday in Goroka. Electoral Commission officials at the counting in Goroka confirmed yesterday that Mr Polye will be declared the winner after he collected 18,621 votes from the first preferences from the total of 36,304 allowable votes counted. To win, Mr Polye needs only 18,152 votes. Returning officer Simon Sinai said from the 69 ballot boxes counted out of the total 71 boxes the former Minister for Works, Transport and Civil Aviation had polled 18,621 to petitioner and lawyer Alfred Manase on 8018 votes. Mr Polye finished comfortably with a 10,603 vote difference while Manase was on 8018, Kenneth H Andrew 3048 and Be Pepo 2545 votes. Goroka town erupted yesterday with celebrations from supporters of Mr Polye and the ruling National Alliance Party. The former deputy prime minister called on his supporters to be calm and let the counting process to continue to the end and a winner, elected by the people of Kandep, to be declared. The Kandep by-election was one of the most troublesome in the country’s history with loss of lives, destruction to properties, exchange of gunfire between police and locals, use of two returning officers, a couple of extensions on the date of the return of writs, and counting venues moved three times. On hearing of his position in the first preferential votes, Mr Polye said he would have scored much high scores, alleging there had been hijacking of ballot boxes. Archrival and lawyer Luke Alfred Manase scored 8018 votes while Herman Anep ran third with 3074 after count 69. Mr Polye said the counting indicated the choice of the people of Kandep and called on the other candidates and their supporters not to create any troubles. Though only a by-election, millions of kina are alleged to have been involved during the election process. The Kandep seat, over the last couple of months, was not seen as a simple electorate’s by-election but was a seat viewing for the Prime Minister’s seat. Reliable sources within the National Alliance Party alleged that some “senior members’’ of the party viewed Polye as a threat to their political aspirations and wanted him to lose the seat.
Hope we get something done for the good of Kandep with the remaining K37 million kina in Kandep’s trust account. Polye has 2 years to make it happen plis …. I need to see my very people riding on a coaster bus from Wabag to Kandep and not hanging like flying foxes on dyna trucks. If you can make it happen, take my words, you’ll even win my heart.
Otherwise, my chances have never been defeated!!!... Justice was still not done to the people of Kandep!!
Pyaren Pyaro Kandep Turaon Ong Leaving apo country, heading home sweet home....KBK (Kandep Bush Kanakae!!!...).