‘Morobe told to choose’: People’s vote or backroom lobbying

Morobe provincial Electoral Commission manager Simon Soheke doing the official declarations for the LLG ward councilors at NBC Morobe Studio on the *'Raun Wantem You'* show (NBC News)

Morobe Electoral Commission Manager Simon Soheke has reignited debate over how LLG presidents should be chosen, calling on newly elected councillors to decide whether to abandon the lobbying system and return the vote to the people.

Soheke issued the directive after officially declaring 567 ward councillors from the province’s 604 wards during a briefing at the NBC Morobe studio. He said 37 wards were yet to submit their reports for formal declaration.

At the same time, he urged presidential candidates to maintain peace, revealing his disappointment over recent incidents linked to lobbying activities.

“I urge those candidates running for president to lobby peacefully,” he said. “I am not happy with what has occurred, and I am calling for safe and peaceful lobbying.”

Soheke confirmed that declarations for Bulolo District had been completed, while Atzera LLG of Markham District and Wampar LLG of Huon Gulf District continued their counts at their respective arenas.

He said the next step now lies with the newly elected councillors.

“You should gather at your respective LLG chambers and decide whether we should continue with the lobby system or allow the people to vote for the LLG presidents,” he said.