2022 National General Elections

The following member-elects for Madang have been declared;

Robert Naguri (PANGU)                               Bogia Open

Jimmy Uguro (PANGU)                                 Usino Bundi Open

Alexander Suguman Orame (URP)             Sumkar Open

Bryan Kramer (AP)                                        Madang Open

Kansol Harwii Kamandaru (Ind.)                 Middle Ramu Open.

Kamandaru was declared today as member-elect for Middle Ramu District.

He said the committee would undertake research and provide advice to the Electoral Commission on issues arising from this election, including reports of irregularities and other issues during the 2022 election process.

The reports complied will determine how well the Commission will prepare for the 2027 National General Elections. 

Mathias Awagasi was eliminated in exclusion 27, leaving only 10 candidates in the running for the governor seat.

The progressive tally:

1. Songang Luther Wenge (PLP) – 93,166
2. Kemas Tomala (ULP) – 67,810
3. Ginson Saonu (PANGU) – 32,656
4. Jennifer Baing (PMFC) – 28,368
5. Joshua Menos (Ind) – 22,023
6. Robin Yalambing (Ind) – 16,439
7. Kasiga Kelly Naru (PNC) – 14,761
8. Sheila Pati Harou (Ind) – 13,048
9. Dr Joseph Garap (PNGP) – 12,299
10. Solomon Peter Ikwa – 11,917

Absolute majority: 156,245

The exclusion of Ezra Kelly leaves 13 candidates still in the running.

The progressive tally:

1. Songang Luther Wenge (PLP) – 89,097
2. Kemas Tomala (ULP) – 64,133
3. Ginson Saonu (PANGU) – 31,345
4. Jennifer Baing (PMFC) – 26,018
5. Joshua Menos (Ind) – 21,270
6. Robin Yalambing – 15,153
7. Kasiga Kelly Naru (PNC) – 13,440
8. Sheila Pati Harou – 12,286
9. Dr Joseph Garap (PNGP) – 11,332
10. Solomon Peter Ikwa – 10,994
11. Mathias Awagasi – 9,256
12. Judas Nalau – 8,435
13. Douglas Kawa – 6,866

Still taking the lead for days is New Generation Party member, Keith Iduhu (NGP) with 10,806 votes.

Running second is Steven John (URP) with 7,224, on third place is Willie F Kaeka (IND) with 4,540. On fourth place is Gabriel Nicholas (PNGNP) polling 3,866 and fifth is Samuel Sariman (IND) with 3,799.

The elimination has come down to Orira Dabada (IND) eliminated at exclusion 28 yesterday afternoon.

Manukayasi said from the beginning, this election has been unique due to all the interferences with the electoral process caused by candidates, scrutineers, and even supporters.  He termed these elections as ‘unique.’

Manukayasi expresses that the delays in the completion of counting and quality checks has hindered what should have been a timely electoral process.

He says this is due to many people claiming from the start of the elections, that this would be a failed National General Election.

In an earlier call, Powi requested the PNG Electoral Commission to move counting location for Southern Highlands Regional to a neutral location, which is far from the realities on the ground.

The candidates’ spokesperson and current leader for the SHP provincial race, Peter Nupiri in a statement said the call is nothing short of seeking attention and public pity to some extent.

“It must not happen this time around and he must learn how to win elections the democratic way, through the ballot.

The elimination of candidates had started and currently there are 15 candidates remaining in the race. 
The sitting member for Bogia, Robert Naguri is leading the race with more than 2000 votes difference. Running second is United Resource Party candidate, David Wama. 
 
According to information gathered from the Electoral Commission website the absolute majority of Bogia open stands at 21, 229. 
 

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $100,000 (K352,500) in immediate humanitarian assistance to respond to displacement in Papua New Guinea, resulting from election and tribal-related violence, which began in May and continues.

A circular issued on 29^th July, by the West New Britain Provincial Division of Education stated that all schools affected by the conduct of the elections were expected to resume normal classes on Monday, August 1^st.

As stated in the circular, Kimbe Urban and Talasea Local Level government schools are to assess the post-elections situation in their respective areas and have the option of conducting half-day classes if there are risks posed to students.