SUPPORTERS of out-going MP and losing candidate of Central Makira constituency Hypolite Taremae threatened to hold up constituency trucks after the outgoing MP lost the seat yesterday.
Mr Taremae bought the two 3-tonne trucks for the Central Makira constituency using constituency funds as MP for the past four years.
But yesterday’s election results for the constituency was not what Mr Taremae’s supporters were anticipating and as a result demanded that all trucks paid for by the former MP during his term in office be returned to them.
Mr Taremae, who was also the out-going minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, lost his central Makira Parliamentary seat to new comer Nestor Ghiro by 33 votes following Wednesday’s elections.
Passengers, including women and children, on board the two trucks were caught by surprise on their way to Kira Kira yesterday when unsatisfied supporters stopped them just outside the Kira Kira airport.
The truck drivers were then instructed to return the trucks after dropping off passengers in Kira Kira to the losing candidate’s supporters who were clearly under the influence of alcohol.
Central Makira voters in Kira Kira yesterday condemned the action taken by supporters of the out-going MP.
“These trucks are paid for using money belonging to the central Makira constituency therefore these trucks are the property of the people of the constituency,” a central Makira voter, who was on-board one of the trucks when the incident happened, said.
“The out-going MP and his supporters have no right to claim ownership over what is paid for using constituency funds.
“If it is true that the out-going MP has instructed his supporters to hold up the trucks then it shows what kind of a leader he truly is and it is only for the good of the people of Central Makira that we have a new leader,” he added.
Meanwhile, the police in Kira Kira were made aware of the incident and have assured the people of Makira/Ulawa that they are doing everything possible to maintain law and order following the elections and announcement of election results.
Election results for Central Makira and Ulawa/Ugi constituencies were announced in Kira Kira while the counting process for East and West Makira constituencies continues.
By PHILIP LILOMO
in Makira
