KEITH JACKSON
The information in this series is derived from public sources and, in some cases, may not be accurate. We invite readers to offer corrections and additional material by contacting the editor here.
GULF
Havila Kavo (Gulf, People’s National Congress) retains his seat and governor’s role. He was first elected governor in 2007 but the appointment was rescinded in June 2010, following a vote of no-confidence by the Gulf Provincial Assembly. Kavo successfully challenged this decision and was reinstated following a ruling by the Supreme Court the following August. Then, in April last year, Kavo was arrested and charged for the misappropriation of over K131,000 in public funds from the Gulf administration between January and February 2010. Earlier this year stated that said companies which discredited Papua New Guinea by calling it a failed state should be banned from the country. “Ten years ago, Shell described PNG as a failed state, gave up its operations, sold it to InterOil and left. Now they have decided to come back,” he said.
Richard Mendani (Kerema, PNG Country Party) was managing director at Oceania Klasic management consulting having previously worked for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Mendani, 45, also has other business interests.
Mark Maipakai (Kikori, Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party), former Labour and Industrial Relations Minister, is now in his third term. In March this year he was suspended from parliament suspended pending an investigation into allegations of misappropriation of public funds. Community leaders complained that during Maipakai’s previous two parliamentary terms there were no improvements in Kikori’s roads, health services, police, or water utilities. "Maipakai’s suspension is welcomed,” said a local chief. But the incident did not hamper his re-election.
JIWAKA
Dr William Tongamp (Jiwaka, New Generation Party) has been elected as the inaugural governor of Jiwaka Province in a surprise result where he defeated former health minister jamie Maxtone-Graham (PNG Party). Tongamp is an associate professor in the faculty of engineering of Akita University in Japan. He said Jiwaka could be like Japan if educated people of the province went back and contributed ideas to develop it. Tongamp said PNG had many politicians but no leaders who could see and understand things of the past and prepare it for the future.
Komun Joe Koim (Angalimp-South Waghi, Independent), whose campaign was launched by Belden Namah, fills the vacancy created by former MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham choosing to contest the Jiwaka Provincial seat.
Mai Dop (Jimi, United Resources Party) a local businessman defeated the minister assisting prime minister on constitutional matters, Wake Goi, amongst vehement complaints in the electorate that their elected member was letting them down. In late May a man died and two were seriously wounded after Dop and another candidate, Clement Kupul, attacked each other during nomination formalities. Dop confirmed the incident but said he had already left when the fight broke out. “I told my supporters that I wanted peaceful and fair elections and then left for Kwiop when the fight started,” he said.
Dr Fabian Pok (North Waghi, United Resources Party) returns to parliament after defeating sitting MP Benjamin Mul, an independent, arrested for allegedly handing out funds and in possession of a bag containing over K4,500 and seven guns. Pok 47, attended Keravat National High School, studied commerce at UPNG and in 1990 graduated with a masters degree in economics from the University of New England. He then went on to complete a PhD. Returning to PNG he lectured at UPNG and consulted to various government departments and businesses. He was in parliament from 1997-2002. Pok is the author of three books and has written many papers on accounting issues in developing countries.
Asians doing business in Jiwaka will be chased out as soon as possible now.
Posted by: Mathew Meteks | 24 April 2013 at 05:09 PM
Jiwaka has come "out of madness" to elect this young leader in Dr William Tongamp.
The Health Minister really could not show up in the electorate even once in the last seven years he had served as an MP. This is true whether you believe it or not!
The Associate Professor should make it his business to be in Jiwaka at all times to serve his people and walk around to buy market goods from local enterpruners. He does not need police escort.
Posted by: Kai Boma | 12 January 2013 at 02:39 AM
Our MPS for Gulf must work together and develop Gulf Province.
We are going backwards and the current members are not providing services to the local commiunity. They always talk about big projects but the people who voted for them are suffering.
There are no air service in Kikori, Baimuru and Ihu. And no sea transport operations. Nothing at all.
Our Kikori MP has had three terms in parliment but nothing has been done in his three districts.
Posted by: Nito Mere | 12 October 2012 at 10:01 PM
Hey Keith - The photo you have for Mark Maipakai is actually Sam Abla's photo - former member for Wabag Open.
Posted by: John Wali | 07 August 2012 at 06:57 PM
Correction-former MP Sam Abal's image is inserted in Mark Mapakai's profile. Thanks
Posted by: Joe Wasia | 07 August 2012 at 06:57 PM