Election 2017

After exclusion 24, sitting MP Jim Simatab only leads by 512 votes.

With elimination continuing to find the absolute majority, it was originally only 16, 974 votes but will decrease when ballot papers are exhausted during elimination to find a winner.

The progressive scoreboard is: Jim Simatab (NA) – 6535, Kevin Isifu (PPP) – 6023, Silvester Pokajam (Independent) – 5180, Stanley Muts Samban (PNG National Party) -5032 and Ernie Bautista (THE) - 4780 

He is also calling on all churches to stand together and advocate for honesty and transparency to prevail in this national elections.

In a press conference in Port Moresby today, Fr Victor spoke strongly about the rights to vote and the responsibilities that come with it.

He reminded all eligible voters to vote responsibly, wisely and truthfully.

He also challenged candidates and their supporters to refrain from perverting the electoral process and not to incite violence.

This is for the nomination and campaign period up until the polling and counting in the capital.

So far, operations have been running smoothly.

Intending candidates are also urged by police to operate in an honest and respectful manner also includes the public to be heedful of their actions during this time.

All operations are in full swing with road blocks and patrols already in motion with a week of nomination and the next eight weeks of campaigning also already underway.

A vetting committee comprising the Ombudsman Commission, Department of Finance and the Department of Rural Development and Implementation has been put in place to protect funds.  

Chief Ombudsman Michael Dick today issued a direction under section 27 (4) of the Constitution against development funds held in the provinces and districts.

Under the direction, all development funds; District and Provincial Service Improvement funds will not be released unless clearance has been sought from the committee and compliance under the Finance Management Act is met.

 Intending candidates flock to submit biodata

Intending candidates for the 2017 National Elections have been flocking to the Electoral Commission headquarters in Port Moresby to submit their biodata, with the deadline today.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/intending-candidates-flock-submit-biodata-50293

K70,000 cash, 13 truck loads of food for Oro road accident victims

Juffa stated that already individuals and parties were busy doing early campaigning with no action taken by the Electoral Commission and Police and that was due to  lack of funds.

He said recent indications of lack of funding for the Electoral Commission was dire and threatened true democracy and was a huge risk for vote rigging.

Juffa has indicated that he will ask the Opposition to demand that the UN and other international observers be present to monitor and supervise the 2017 elections.