Baiyer LLG wants new ARO

From L-R: Patrick Lepa-Lumusa LLG President, Wesley Koke-Baiyer educated elite, John Enga- Baiyer LLG Deputy President and Lai Kuikua-Baiyer LLG President during the media conference in Mt Hagen today. (NBC News)

The Baiyer Local Level Government (LLG) in the Mul Baiyer District of Western Highlands, has raised concerns about the appointment of their Assistant Returning Officer [ARO].

During a media conference in Mt Hagen today, 28 ward councilors and intending candidates said they do not want Tommy Kolo to be the ARO for Baiyer LLG in the upcoming LLG elections.

Baiyer representative Wesley Koke said, “Mr. Kolo still has a Supreme Court pending case in regard to the 2022 National Elections, and for him to be appointed to run the Baiyer LLG election does not go down well with the people of Baiyer.”

“The 28 council wards of Baiyer LLG have presented a petition to the Provincial Election Steering Committee as well as the Election Manager of Western Highlands outlining their grievance,” he added,

Mr. Koke said the Electoral Commission had appointed Bob Robert as the new ARO, but “after 10 days only in office he was replaced again with Tommy Kolo.”

Deputy LLG President John Enga urged authorities to act quickly as polling is just five days away.

Lumusa LLG President Patrick Lepa supported the call, saying Kolo should be assigned elsewhere due to his pending court case.

Attempts to contact the Election Manager were unsuccessful.