By Glenda Willie.
Public servants are not actively campaigning for the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum.
Director General (DG) to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Leith Veremaito clarified this as concerns were raised by the ‘No’ Campaign team claiming that public servants are involved in political advocacy as they accompany the Government’s team to raise awareness among the people.
He added that their involvement is solely to assist the Electoral Office in educating citizens about the referendum process.
While acknowledging that the Minister of Internal Affairs, Johnny Koanapo as mandated by the parliament to spearhead the yes campaign, DG Veremaito reiterated that civil servants’ role is also to support the Electoral Office in disseminating information.
Veremaito said two other elections, the Ambrym By-election and the SANMA Provincial election are also happening shortly and the Electoral staff are busy with these elections, therefore, it is proper for the public servants to step in and assist with the information on the referendum.
This includes explaining the procedures of the referendum, such as the use of Green and Red ballot papers, how voters will be voting using the Green and Red ballot papers, registration of those that are eligible to vote, and the importance of exercising one’s constitutional right to vote on referendum day.
According to Veremaito, the decision to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ rests entirely with the individual.
The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Edward Kaltamat, reiterated that the Electoral Office and its staff remain neutral in the referendum process.
Their responsibility is to explain the referendum procedure without influencing people’s voting decisions.
In related news, DG Veremaito also mentioned that the team led by the Minister Koanapo were expected to visit Paama yesterday. However, bad weather conditions prevented this from occurring.
Additionally, the Minister is anticipated to kick off the referendum campaign in SANMA Province, followed by PENAMA Province, and also in TORBA Province.
These arrangements are depend on the weather conditions as well.
