A candidate in Papua New Guinea's West Sepik provincial by-election says the winner of the vote will become the Governor, contrary to claims by Belden Namah.
Told he can't be Governor if he loses the West Sepik by-election: Belden Namah. Photo: RNZ / Alex Smith
Mr Namah was controversially elected to fill the vacant Governor's seat in April by 13 local level government presidents, and the State Solicitor declared the election failed to follow proper procedures.
Mr Namah has told PNG media that unless the by-election is won by his party's candidate, he will not relinquish the position, and the victor will simply be the regional member, but not governor.
But one of the candidates, John Tekwie says Mr Namah is trying to manipulate the democratic process.
"If I win this election, I'll give him twenty-four hours to leave the office. If he doesn't leave the office, I'll visit him, lock the door and if I have to bash him up I'll do it for the interests of democracy. We can not tolerate these stupid, uneducated bus-kanaka politicians confusing our innocent people arounds the country and especially our province."
