MP SAMUEL THANKFUL FOR MOTU-KOITA ELECTION DATES

MORESBY North West MP Lohia Boe Samuel has recently thanked Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Hon. Soroi Eoe, for making the official announcement of the Motu Koita Assembly elections dates which will take place this year, commencing Thursday, 25th April 2025.

The announcement came about following recent protest last week by people of Ward 1, including the traditional Motu Koita villages of Hanuabada, Elevala, Baruni, Tatana, and the greater Motu Koita communities on the east side, including Taurama, Pari, Mahuru, Kirakira, Korobosea, and Vabukori regarding the delay in the election.

The office of Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel acknowledges the public notice by the Minister, which marks a critical step in restoring the democratic rights of the Motu Koita people.

“This is a positive step forward. The election delay had caused uncertainty and frustration, but the Minister’s commitment and the Governor’s reception of the petition show that due process is now being respected.

The people were also very thankful that the Honourable Governor for NCD, Powes Parkop, formally received their petition on Monday, 10th February 2025, at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, where 32 candidates signed the petition to the government representing their people of Motu Koita, the traditional landowners of Port Moresby, that host the nation’s capital.

“Their voices and concerns have finally been heard after two years of waiting, and we now look forward to a fair and trouble-free election process that will allow 50,000 to 60,000 people to have proper representation,” MP Samuel said.

Meanwhile, Motu Koita Assembly Chairman Dadi Toka Jnr in his response to the protest last week, clarified that the elections were delayed due to non funding from the national government.

Chairman Dadi Toka Jnr explained that the Assembly Board and Administration have always been prepared for the elections, which were initially set for 2023.

He further explained that the MKA election was supposed to be funded by the National government however, this has not eventuate for three consecutive years, causing the delay in the elections.

However, with the recent announcement by Minister Eoe, the MKA elections is now set for 25th of April this year.

“The focus must now be on ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process,” said Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel.