The Deputy Governor of the West Sepik province in Papua New Guinea says the election of Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah as governor was improperly held and is therefore illegal.
West Sepik provincial official Paul Nengai. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
Paul Nengai has been acting governor since 2013 when the incumbent Amkat Mai's election victory was declared null and void by the national court.
Mr Namah had indicated his goal to be governor in the past and this week local media reported local district presidents elected him as the new governor.
However Mr Nengai has complained to the Minister Responsible for Inter-Government Affairs and says the election was improper because the law says a vote can only be called by him.
"As acting governor, I still, I still hold my position that the Office of the Governor is still vacant. I am more than confident that my view will come through."
The Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion says he is studying documents and currently it is unclear who is governor but the law does say a member of the National Parliament should fill the position.
Vanimo MP Belden Namah Photo: RNZ / Alex Smith