Election dates

Tentatively, the French High Commission has approved April 22 and May 6 as dates to elect a new 57-member territorial assembly for a five-year term.

The dates are expected to be officially confirmed in December.

Electoral lists have to be drawn up by late March, with campaging starting in April.

A list has to secure 12.5 per cent of votes in the first round to make it to the run-off in May.

In the last election in 2013, the Tahoeraa Huiraatira of Gaston Flosse won 38 of the 57 seats.

“During my term as the Electoral Commissioner, the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission has instituted internal reforms, developed strategies, conducted detailed planning and implemented key activities – all in preparation for the 2017 National Elections,” Gamato said. 

“PNGEC has increased its organisational capabilities by applying lessons learnt from the 2012 National Election, 2013 Local Level Government (LLG) elections and the 2015-2016 provincial and open by-elections.