Problematic LLG elections

The much-delayed Local Level Government elections are on. Everywhere in the country, the voters are going to the polls. Already, we are getting reports that many in Jiwaka are not happy with the newly created wards and LLG in Kambia that they have taken the law into their own hands by erecting roadblocks on the Highlands Highway to draw the attention of the Government. The Jiwakans are not alone. There are many others in the country who are not happy with this LLG elections because of several issues, one being the inflated voter registry that is being used. Others are upset that the new wards and LLGs were illegally created and the elections will definitely end up in court. And this is consistent with the advice provided by government lawyers. However, the Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai is adamant that he is, by law, obliged to allow the elections to proceed. Sinai is also a matter of concern by people who are watching the election over the status of his tenure in office. Sinai has registered two birth days – in one record with the pay office at the Department of Personal Management, he was born in 1962 and in the record with the National Identification Project office, he was born in 1965. This is a matter that can be contested in Court by any losing candidate. LLG elections were previously regarded as “samting blong ples” and it was run and managed easily. Today, the LLG elections have suddenly become important because of the increased funding made available to the LLGs and the wards. Furthermore, the LLGs are considered the stepping stone to the National Parliament and has attracted candidates from all walks of life like never before. Our people should be careful with how they conduct themselves in the current elections because the results could be overturned in court later. When that happens, they would be spending huge, get injured or killed for nothing.

The much-delayed Local Level Government elections are on. Everywhere in the country, the voters are going to the polls.

Already, we are getting reports that many in Jiwaka are not happy with the newly created wards and LLG in Kambia that they have taken the law into their own hands by erecting roadblocks on the Highlands Highway to draw the attention of the Government.

The Jiwakans are not alone. There are many others in the country who are not happy with this LLG elections because of several issues, one being the inflated voter registry that is being used.

Others are upset that the new wards and LLGs were illegally created and the elections will definitely end up in court.

And this is consistent with the advice provided by government lawyers. However, the Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai is adamant that he is, by law, obliged to allow the elections to proceed.

Sinai is also a matter of concern by people who are watching the election over the status of his tenure in office.

Sinai has registered two birth days – in one record with the pay office at the Department of Personal Management, he was born in 1962 and in the record with the National Identification Project office, he was born in 1965.

This is a matter that can be contested in Court by any losing candidate.

LLG elections were previously regarded as “samting blong ples” and it was run and managed easily. Today, the LLG elections have suddenly become important because of the increased funding made available to the LLGs and the wards.

Furthermore, the LLGs are considered the stepping stone to the National Parliament and has attracted candidates from all walks of life like never before.

Our people should be careful with how they conduct themselves in the current elections because the results could be overturned in court later. When that happens, they would be spending huge, get injured or killed for nothing.