Minister for Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs, Soroi Marepo Eoe has clarified the legal basis and purpose of recent administrative measures taken under the District Development Authority (DDA) Act 2014 when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.
Minister Eoe said the DDA Act supports short-term administrative continuity when the seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant through a death or disputed election petitions.
Related news: https://emtv.com.pg/minister-clarifies-dda-role-on-parliamentary-vacant-seat/
Its provisions allow the District Development Authority to remain operational so that essential services, budgets and grant disbursements continue without interruption, he said in a statement.
“However, the Act does not empower the Executive to replace the judicial resolution of electoral disputes or to convert an unelected acting chair into a substitute for an elected Member of Parliament,” he said.
“Any acting appointment under the DDA framework is temporary and limited to administrative functions until the office of the Member of Parliament is filled.”
Minister Eoe reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and the independence of the judiciary.
He said all actions taken under the DDA Act are intended solely to protect service delivery and financial continuity in affected districts, not to interfere with ongoing judicial processes or to usurp electoral or parliamentary functions.
Minister Eoe also invited any concerned party to raise specific legal or factual issues through the appropriate statutory or judicial channels so they can be addressed in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
“Any allegations of improper conduct, abuse of office or misappropriation involving a District Development Authority should be referred to the Department,” Minister Eoe continued.