The Commonwealth Observer Group has taken note of alleged vote-buying during the campaign period.
In its interim report presented on Monday, the group calls on authorities to take note of such incidents which have created an uneven playing field for candidates contesting the elections.
The COG says this should be addressed before the next election.
COG Chair Sir Anand Satyanand highlighted their concern on a number of alleged vote buying reports, which included the use of state resources and provincial and district development funds.
“These funds were alleged to have been used to buy voters’ support or for projects to induce voters,” said Sir Anand.
“The group was advised that money politics has significantly influenced the electoral process and may have led to an uneven playing field for the parties and candidates in the 2017 elections.
“The PNGEC and the OIPCC should consider the formulating of campaign finance regulations through appropriate legislation,” he added.
Sir Anand was asked by Loop PNG on the opening of projects by incumbent sitting MPs as well as the Government, and whether the group viewed this as creating an unfair advantage over other candidates.
The COG Chair said: “We have noted what you speak about but we also have to respect that this country is one where government money is provided to members of parliament for dispersal and use in those areas and there is a spill-over into things that happen prior to elections.
“We have called the development of an uneven playing field and it is something that the authorities will be asked to take into account when they deal with what is to happen with the election next time.”
Sir Anand added thst it’s difficult to give a blanket answer to that because instances will vary, along with their intensity and approach.
“But the creation of any unfairness is something the authorities ought to address when they are providing the chemistry for an election in the future.
“The people of the country have exhibited their enthusiasm to exercise their vote and it seems to us that the people need to be provided with an opportunity to exercise their choice fairly, and anything that makes it unfair needs to be considered.”