Electoral Commissioner

The Issue of Writs will be on April 20, followed by candidates’ nomination, campaign and election period in June.  

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato revealed that a total of 4068 intending candidates had filled and submitted the candidate bio-data form (Form 29).

According to statistics released by the PNG Electoral Commission, the Highlands Region registered the highest number of intending candidates with a progressive total of 1719.

Followed by Momase with 1017, Southern with 998 and New Guinea Islands with only 334.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said he is quite pleased with the tremendous effort put in by temporary electoral workers in updating the roll.

He said the preliminary roll will be used for nominations when the 2017 election writs are open on April 20.

“What this means is that the process of updating the 2017 roll (will) continue until all verification is completed right across the country,” he said.

Currently, the preliminary roll is displayed publicly in all electorates for voter verification and objection.

During a National Alliance Party event in which Gamato was invited to give an update on the commissions preparations, he revealed that they were currently addressing the issue as some of the RO’s and ARO’s decided to contest the elections while a few have passed on.

O’Neill said the Form 29 was just to assist the Electoral Commissioner to have a clear indication of the intending candidates wishing to contest.

He clarified that the official form to allow intending candidates to contest the elections was the Nomination form.

He said the Nomination form was entirely dependent  on the candidates to choose which party to align with in the coming elections.

“Nobody is going to force the candidate to sign which party they will be contesting under as it is an individual choice that is guaranteed by law.”

Polye in a press conference today said, although the Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato is new to the office had so far made some decisions that are of the best interest for the people of PNG.

He praised Gamato for giving candidates ample time to come up with a proper bio data before the elections.

The bio data was due on Dec 16 but now extended to next year.

However, Polye also raised concerns on the updating of the Common Rolls.

He said the timing is not right as the Common Roll update will not be completed on time.

At a swearing in ceremony officiated by the PNG Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, Gamato swore a declaration of loyalty, declaration of office and oath of office.

As per section 10 of the Organic Law on National and Local Level government elections, the Chief Justice administered Gamato’s declaration into office.

Sir Salamo administered the oath of office to Gamato. The ceremony was witnessed by his predecessor Sir Andrew .