2022 National General Elections

O’Neill has waited since 12th May when the Writs were signed and was finally allowed to nominate today 19th May. He has encouraged all PNC candidates to nominate before 4 pm today.

The Unagi Oval in Port Moresby was packed by 1pm, as people started pouring in from all corners, some on foot and many coming in bus loads accompanying their candidates. With some just mere observers, stepping in to feel the election hype.

Banners seem to cover the corners of the oval and candidate posters promoted everywhere, pinned on trees and pasted on vehicles.

St. John Ambulance CEO, Matt Cannon said this was at the request of the Police Commissioner.

“The National Election period is expected to cause a general increase in calls for help to SJA, particularly related to trauma.

“We are deploying extra ambulance officers from Port Moresby to regional stations to boost the service capacity at regional stations.

St John CEO, Matt Cannon said the ambulance special operations team will support the RPNGC airborne tactical unit, responding to time-critical medical emergencies.

This newsroom visited Sir John Guise stadium, Ipi Park, Sir Hubert Murray stadium just before lunch time, and witnessed Electoral officials still setting up nomination booths.

Supporters of candidates including NCD Regional candidate Michael Kandiu and Moresby North East sitting member, John Kaupa crowded the Unagi oval since this morning.

NCD Regional Candidates Wari Vele , Ben Dangima and Des Yaninen, who is contesting the Moresby-West seat is also expected to pay his nomination fees this afternoon.

He said in the last term of Parliament, though there were two governments, agriculture was not a priority and it has been the same with successive governments past and present.

Aganisafa said there have been lost opportunities and misplacement of resources due to bureaucratic red tape in the past, yet the agriculture sector continues to sustain the bulk of our 10 million plus people, who live off the land. 

WHO Country office OIC, Dr Anup Murung told journalists during a Media Training on Monday. He said with low vaccination rate in the country is also a concern.

He said PNG has the lowest rate in the Southwest Pacific region and people need more information from reliable and trusted sources, so they make informed decision about vaccination and adhere to Niupela Pasin protocol.

Dr. Anup asked the media to reach the people with right information about vaccines, through;

In a NEC meeting last week, Meeting No. 194/2022 advised the Head of State to revoke the appointment of Mr Temai as the Provincial Administrator for Simbu, published in National Gazette No. G725 of 07 November 2018 on disciplinary grounds.

NEC has also extended the appointment of acting Simbu provincial administrator Sebastian Kee for the duration of the 2022 National General Election period until such time a permanent appointment is made. 

He said the recent deferrals have thrown the nation off course and has created a worrying precedent.
                     
“Our constitution is clear. The dates have been set. We should not have any excuses. 
 
“We have five years to prepare. Within that period the Electoral Commission has one simple task, to ensure the electoral roll in up to date. Yet here we are, late again. This time worse than previous years,” said Sir Julius. 
 

The deferral was announced by NAC Managing Director in a press conference yesterday.

“The Governor General has approved the writs on May 12, and to date, I wish to inform the people that the election has started as soon as the writs were issued.

“We would have accepted the fact to continue to run the elections, unfortunately, our Deputy Prime Minister got into an accident and passed on.

“Being a Deputy PM and also a political party leader of the current coalition Government, it was necessary that the political party that is involved in the Government be considered.”