2017 PNG National Election

His nomination was accepted at 10am this morning at the Electoral Commission Office at Boroko, witnessed by Dr Puka Temu, member for Abau Open and Ano Pala, member for Rigo Open.

Haoda was elected governor for Central Province in July 26, 2012.

He will be running under the PNC banner to retain his seat for a second term.

The small group who accompanied Haoda to nominate proceeded to Gaire where hundreds of supporters have converged at the Governor's election base camp.

This is to avoid a rush hour at the end of the day.

Speaking to Loop PNG Returning Officer for Sohe Open, Wesley Korapeba, appealed to all nominees to come early today to avoid a rush of nominations.

“We have sent out messages over the radio for those intending candidates to come in a bit earlier and get themselves nominated to avoid these last minute rush business,” he said.

As the time for nominations are reduced to hours, Returning Officers throughout the country are expected to receive a rush of nominations on the last day,

 Sam Koim made this comment after a three-man Supreme Court bench allowed the withdrawal of an appeal, the Investigation Task Force Sweep Team filed, challenging the decision of the National Court when it dismissed its judicial review on the disbanding of ITFS.

Leave was sought in the court by Koim in his capacity as Chairman of the Investigation Task Force Sweep team on Wednesday, which was allowed.

Pala is contesting under the Peoples National Congress Party and will commence his campaign as of today.

Hundreds of people traveled in from the inland and coastal villages of Rigo to witness his nomination.

He said his campaign message is getting the Government systems protected.

"When the systems of Government are working well, they will do the delivery with less corruption, Pala said.

Pala joins 16 other candidates including three females who are contesting the Rigo Open seat.

Leading just over 20 trucks and vehicles overloaded with supporters, Gore and her supporters began their journey from Sasembata village in Higaturu LLG all the way to Popondetta Town.

The main freeway in Popondetta was closed off by supporters who danced and sang their way to the Sohe District Administration Office to nominate.

Despite a last-minute notice under a bad weather, supporters flocked in numbers to join him at Kandep Station to converge to the district office.

Polye was previously in Wabag for the nomination of  THE Party endorsed candidate for the Enga Regional Seat Sandy Talita.

In a low-key ceremony Polye nominated just before 4 pm in front of the Assistant Returning Officers, Joseph Yangau, and, George Marke, at the district office.

Two other intending candidates nominated yesterday, one of which includes a female nominee.

His warning is specific on matters involving candidates who are currently under investigation.

When campaigning, he says, candidates should market their policies instead of smear campaigning using outstanding issues subject to investigation.

“Candidates should not use such matters against other candidates during campaign period for personal gain,” he warned.

He also said police should not be pressured to be pulled into politics, instead, allow them to carry out their investigations fairly.  

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill revealed this in Pangia during his nomination last Friday.

He said in 2012, PNC promised to deliver free education and has lived up to its word.

It has invested K3b every year to deliver this policy despite hiccups along the way.

To continue to assist parents pay their children’s school fees, the new government looks to continue this policy but with legislations in place.

With these new legislations, all future governments will put education as priority number one and must not be changed for political convenience.

James Tossip of Highlands origin nominated last week with 5 other candidates including former member Mathew Poia and John Mona, brother of late member Daniel Mona.

Gilbert Goi also of Highlands origin nominated today. His nomination was the first of the day. Augustine Mark was the second nomination for Goilala Open, today, as of 12pm.

He resigned from active politics in 2012 but has decided to re-enter in this election.

After his nomination, Morauta said he was fairly confident of winning but added at the end of the day, it is really all up to the people.

Returning Officer for Moresby North West, Moka Havara said Moratau’s nomination at 11:15am today brings to total ten intending candidates for the seat so far.