New Ireland Province governor’s election suspended indefinitely

The New Ireland Provincial Assembly has suspended the election of a new Governor.

The seat was left vacant following the passing of Sir Julius Chan early this year.

An election to appoint a new Governor was supposed to have occurred earlier this morning.

However, from unconfirmed information on the ground, the election was not on the agenda.

Acting Governor of New Ireland, Semmi Missen, who is also the Acting Chairman of the Provincial Assembly, suspended the election for an indefinite period, after the Member for Namatanai, Walter Schnaubelt, questioned the eligibility of the appointed Provincial Executive Council members in the Assembly.

The acting PEC Chairman suspended the election to seek legal advice on the status of the seven appointed PEC members.

Walter Schnaubelt resigned recently to contest the Governor's post.

Present at the New Ireland Provincial Legislative Hall to witness the election were Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge, Member for Makham, Koni Iguan, member for Kokopo, Eremas Tobianing Junior and former politician, Rimbink Pato.

More details on this development will be made available in our next news bulletin.