The member elect for the Moresby South electorate (South side), Justin Tkatchenko, strolled into the counting venue at the Rita Flynn courts this afternoon flanked by Prime Minster James Marape and incumbent National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, to be officially declared by the Returning Officer (RO) Mr. Tau Toea, after his victory in this year’s election.
Upon signing the Election Writ with the RO, Mr. Tkatchenko announced that he will continue to work with his team to further develop Moresby South for the benefit of his people, now that he has the mandate of his people to serve them for a third term in office.
Ten years in office has been an absolute pleasure for me to serve the people of Moresby South, another five years will make our electorate even bigger and better than it has ever been before, said Tkatchenko.
He said with the support of the majority of people that voted for him, he now knows he has the backing of his people and said thats what he needs to continue partner with the communities in the electorate and work together for the benefit of everyone.
He added that team work is important as it is the key to success in everything we do.
As such, he said team work will ensure priorities like the new Moresby South District Hospital project, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and poverty reduction, are attended to in the next five years.
Other priorities include health and education, better roads, electricity and water supply, and making sure markets and infrastructures are operational to benefit the people.
As the leader of Moresby South for another five year, I look forward in my working relationship continuing for another five years for the benefit of you, and your family and your community.
We look forward for Moresby South continuing to develop and progress for the benefit of all Moresby South people, whether you voted for me or not, now thats very important.”
Meanwhile, the victory of the member elect came after the quality checks were done and elimination, and there after the absolute majority was at 23, 310.
The Returning Officer said from this it was clear that one candidate went past the absolute majority and that was Tkatchenko, who polled 28, 111.
Tkatchenko later officially signed the Writ with the Returning Officer, marking his re-election as member of Moresby South.
His declaration is the first to be made for the city of Port Moresby where lately has seen election related violence marred the peacefulness in city during counting.
The NCD Election Manager Mr. Kila Ralai, who was present to witness the official declaration, said it was a relief that this electorate has wrapped up counting and now wants to see the other seats to be peacefully declared soon.