Morobe petitions Government for an immediate by-election

A group of Morobe elites has presented a petition to the Morobe Governor’s Office, seeking its tabling in Parliament.

The petition was formally handed over on Wednesday at the Tutumang House precinct, facilitated by Ahi LLG Ward Councillor Ezra Tali.

Tali said the petition is addressed to Prime Minister James Marape and relevant authorities.

“The petition is a request for the immediate conduct of the Morobe Provincial by-election,” Tali said.

He added that the petition is led by Ahi landowners, with backing from other Morobe elites and intending candidates for the by-election.

The document was presented to a representative of Governor Rainbo Paita for submission to Parliament, in line with Standing Orders.

Deputy Governor Andrew Tera and senior statesman Daki Mao received the petition on behalf of the Governor’s Office.

Officials confirmed they would forward the petition to Governor Paita.

However, Mao noted that the petition would have been more appropriately directed to the Electoral Commission, the Prime Minister, or the Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere.

“But because this petition is already here, we will receive it and forward it to the appropriate authorities,” he said.