PNG POLITICS: PAIAS WINGTI BOWS OUT OF WESTERN HIGHLANDS

 

Outgoing Governor Paias Wingti, known for coming back three times to win back the governorship. Whether he returns in 2027 remains to be seen. For the moment, he is happy to take a break for the next 5 years.

'DADDY BOSS' STEPS OUT GRACEFULLY

 
BY GORETHY KENNETH
 
OUTGOING Governor for Western Highlands Paias Wingti has bowed out gracefully.

His only concern as he leaves Mara Haus in Hagen is that democracy in PNG has eroded very fast as people's right to vote freely have been denied by the actions of evil people. 
 
Mr Wingti, who has lost the top seat to Wai Rapa, appealed to the leaders who will form the next government to seriously look into the future operations of elections.
 
Over the weekend he thanked all the people of Western Highlands Province who have worked with him and his administration for the last five years. 
 
He appealed to the new leaders of Western Highlands to work together, and continue the good foundation and legacy he left behind. 
 
"democracy eroded in the country, the people's rights to choose their leaders, to vote, the fundamental principles, the founding fundamentals entrenched in the Constitution that voting is a birthright of citizens to go and vote according to his sponsors is eroding very fast as people are tampering with the system, you know,” Mr Wingti said.

Hagen North High School which was built under the Green Revolution program.

"The people are not respecting that and that is the worrying part of a young nation.
 
"it’s like my political career is coming to the end of my era. As I live in Western Highlands Province, I thank the people of Western Highlands for their support," he said. 

"And at the same time, I want them to all work together, you know, there's new leadership so everybody has to work together.
 
“Although the election was not run properly but it was peaceful and people participated properly in Western Highlands.

"And at counting there were change of leadership, counting stopped, elimination delayed but the Governor and three Members were elected and there was no trouble. 

L-R: Sir Yauntine Koromba from Southern Highlands, Sir Philip Kapal from Jiwaka, Governor Paias Wingti, Sir Nambuga Mara at the 80th birthday for Sir Nambuga on Feb 02, 2022.

 
“It was a reflection of a peaceful election in Western Highlands despite discrepancies in the election operations. 
 
"I am speaking like this because election must not be violent and people must respect the process and those in charge of this election leading into the future."
 
“ My concern is about interfering of the constitution … office holders must uphold the constitution and politicians are destroying the electoral process…a free conscious elections where people go and test their votes freely,” he said.
 
“But now, young politicians are hijacking papers away and marking it for the people and that is the beginning of destroying this young country.”

A rainbow over the peaks of Lumusa drop the curtains on Wingti's reign. But the fact remains that Lumusans, who are originally Engan, actually voted overwhelmingly for Wingti in this year's national elections.