Gillard concerned over delayed PNG poll

April 5th, 2012

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is disappointed Papua New Guinea parliament has voted to delay national elections for six months.

PNG’s parliament has voted to postpone its national elections for six months and at the same time has taken a swipe at Australia’s foreign minister, Senator Bob Carr.

The surprise vote was passed by 63 votes to 11 following a 90-minute debate.

Elections will be suspended for six months from April 27, when writs are scheduled to be issued.

Ms Gillard says there are question marks over whether the decision is constitutional.

“While we respect Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty, as a strong supporter and long-time friend of Papua New Guinea, Australia believes that the elections should be held on time, in accordance with the constitution,” Ms Gillard said in a statement on Thursday night.

“Papua New Guinea’s democracy has to date had a good record of holding elections on time.”

Ms Gillard said Australia had promised 30 Australian Civilian Corps personnel for the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission and an air support mission.

In March, Mr Carr sparked anger from Port Moresby when he suggested Australia should consider sanctions against PNG in the event that elections were delayed.

Earlier on Thursday in a speech to parliament, PNG Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah warned against foreign intervention following the decision.

“Whatever (Australian Foreign Minister) Mr Bob Carr says about sanctions, I want to say … do not threaten the independent state of PNG,” he said.

“You must respect our wishes.

“You must not intrude into our election process.”

The vote in parliament contradicts recent comments from PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Mr Namah about the timing of the elections.