Candidates question involvement of controversial election official

Candidates contesting the Usino-Bundi by-election have raised concerns about the involvement of David Wakias in the conduct of the electoral process.

During a meeting with election officials at Walium yesterday, candidate Peter Yama questioned why Wakias had been engaged, raising past allegations of election fraud linked to his involvement in previous elections.

Wakias, originally from East Sepik Province, had been appointed as an assistant to Madang Provincial Returning Officer Sponsa Navi.

“I was informed two weeks ago that this same man was involved in running elections in Southern Highlands and was arrested and charged by police for election fraud,” Yama said. “I heard he was either dismissed or sidelined from the public service. Now I hear he is your [Navi’s] assistant.”

Yama pressed Navi to confirm or deny Wakias’ involvement and demanded an explanation about who had brought him into Madang for the by-election.

He further questioned how Wakias had been appointed by the Provincial Election Steering Committee as Navi’s assistant, allegedly without the knowledge or approval of the Electoral Commission.

“His presence in Madang and involvement in the Usino-Bundi by-election casts serious doubts on the integrity of the process for myself and other candidates. It feels like something is being planned behind the scenes,” Yama said.
“The same man handled the elections in Maprik, then Southern Highlands, and now he appears here at the last minute. Aren’t there any capable officers in Madang to assist instead?”

In response, Provincial Election Manager Sponsa Navi confirmed that Wakias was engaged to assist in the by-election. He said Wakias is a full-time officer with the PNG Electoral Commission and is married to a local woman from Madang.

However, acknowledging the concerns raised by Mr. Yama, Navi announced that Wakias would no longer be involved in any part of the by-election process, including polling and counting.

“I have taken note of the concerns raised and will immediately disengage Mr. Wakias from the Usino-Bundi by-election,” Navi assured.