Lae Member of Parliament and deputy Papua New Guinea Prime Minister John Rosso has retained his seat for the second term polling past the absolute majority getting 26,818 votes.
Returning officer Kusak Meluk made the declaration of MP elect for Lae John Rosso Sunday at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium before counting officials, scrutineers and security personnel.
Rosso thanked everyone that participated in one way or the other to make this election process a success, adding this shows that Lae people are educated and want a credible, transparent and committed leader.
He said as the saying goes, ‘box bai toktok’ and the people of Lae have spoken through the ballot papers because of the developments that he has delivered in the last five years.
He said he is humbled to represent the people of Lae again in the next five years and pledge to continue making it a better place for generations to come.
“I will work closely with the 10 MPs of Morobe and the governor elect after this election.
“Election process for Lae has ended successfully and I am happy that despite hiccups and situations faced, electoral officers and scrutineers work together to ensure a leader is declared,” he said.
Rosso also condemned violence reported at Markham and Kabwum districts with burning of government assets, destroying and burning of ballot boxes and papers over the weekend.
He said this is unacceptable and is the least expected in Morobe but it has already happened.
Meanwhile, Rosso is the fourth Pangu candidate declared so far, including Prime Minister James Marape.
SOURCE: POST COURIER/PACNEWS
