TRAWEN TASKED TO EXPLAIN FAILED LLG ELECTIONS

Andrew Trawen. Getty Images

Chief Electoral Commissioner, Andrew Trawen, will be asked to explain through a public notice, his reasons for failing the Local Level Government elections in several wards in the highlands region.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neil gave the undertaking in Parliament, yesterday afternoon.

Mr. O' Neil assured the House, he will request Mr. Trawen to the affected people, why he resorted to such a decision.

He told Parliament, as the Prime Minister, he does not have the power to give any direction to the electoral commissioner, as he is a constitutional office holder, exercising his powers under the electoral Act.

"The electoral office is a constitutional office, I will certainly request him.

"I can't direct him.

"I will request him that members of parliament through this session have requested that he will provide further details on the decisions he took when he failed the various LLG's throughout the country", O'Neil said. 

The Prime Minister was responding to questions by the Member for Anglimp South Waghi, Komun Joe Koim, raising concerns that his people are confused as to why the LLG elections were failed in their electorate.

Meantime, Western Highlands Governor, Paias Wingti, in a supplementary question, wanted to know if there were any reports from the election officials, warranting the failing of the L-L-G elections.