Chief Secretary Lupari Explains Role of Steering Committee

The Chief Secretary to Government, Ambassador Isaac Lupari, has  clarified his role as Chair of the Steering Committee on the National Elections.

“In light of public comments and innuendos by certain candidates and political figures on the role of the Committee Chair, I want to make this emphatically clear to the public,” Chief Secretary Lupari said.
“The Steering Committee on National Elections was not created overnight.
“It was set up and utilized by past governments to provide advice to the Electoral Commission on the smooth running of the elections.
“The Committee liaises with the Electoral Commission and brings to the attention of the government issues they face so these can be dealt with in an expedited manner.
“These are mainly funding and administrative issues.
“Elections are long, ongoing process and issues come up, which government has to deal with when called on by the Commission.

“As Chief Secretary, I chair the Steering Committee, and since day-one we have been working closely with the Commission to ensure everything required for a smooth election was in place.
“As Chair, I make myself available at Media Conferences with the Electoral Commissioner to answer questions relating to the role of the Committee, and the government’s responses to issues and concerns raised by the Electoral Commission.
“The role and work of my committee is very open, public and transparent. We do not operate behind the scenes as suggested by some candidates.
“We are not involved in the day-to-day running of the elections.
“Election operations rest with Patilias Gamato and his team. That is their independent and constitutional role.

“The suggestion that I am using my position to manipulate the elections is utter nonsense and self-serving,” Chief Secretary Lupari said.
“The elections are underway, and the Committee will continue to monitor the process and work with the Commission when called upon to ensure the elections are completed in the manner we all desire.”