2017 National Election

PNG Loop's 5 @ 5

Security guaranteed at NCD Independence Day festivities

http://www.looppng.com/content/security-guaranteed-ncd-independence-day-festivities

The public in Port Moresby are rest assured that security is guaranteed at the venues where celebrations for the 41st Independence Day are taking place.

Police to ensure safe celebrations in Lae

Increase in election nomination fee of K10,000 is likely in 2017

Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister and Member for Yangoru-Saussia Richard Maru revealed this to his constituents in Koro Village yesterday.

He said the nomination fee will be increased to K10,000 in the upcoming elections.

The current nomination fee is K1,000, and had been for decades, since Independence. 

Furthermore, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when responding to questions in the last month Parliament sitting supported the call to increase candidates’ nomination fee.

O’Neill’s supporters happy with outcome of vote

Most of them supporters of the O’Neill government were seen to be ecstatic and relieved to be on the winning side.

Although most didn’t make it into the Parliament to witness the actual vote,  supporters of O’Neill say  they are still happy the decision has been made and that the Prime Minster can continue his leadership for the next couple of months until the 2017 National Elections.

2017 General Election to be collective approach

Secretary Lupari says that has been numerous Election steering committee meetings to date which have involved representatives of  relevant stakeholders.

He also says that come  April 11, there will be a conference for department heads and provincial administrators.

At this proposed meet, the Electoral Commissioner and the steering committee will brief all the heads on the planning process and engage in discussion so that they can provide input in the election plan being prepared.

2017 poll preprations to cost K192 million

But the National Government has only allocated K10 million for the preparation and a request has already been given to the head of the National Executive Council, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.   

 “Last year in November I did a submission to the NEC, now it’s before NEC for deliberation I cannot comment on that,” Gamato told Loop PNG.

PNGEC has 12 months to update the country’s Common Roll, which is one of the important tasks in the preparation phase of the election.

Gamato warns against early campaigning

“It’s against the law to do early campaigning; campaigns are done after the Writs are issued.

“I am appealing to all the intending candidates and leaders (current parliamentarians) not to engage in early campaigns because it is illegal. They must be responsible and stop early campaigns.”

Gamato is calling on candidates who will contest the 111 seats to be vigilant.