Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections

Opposition opposes FPTP bill

Leader of the Opposition, Belden Namah said all parties in the Opposition have decided to oppose the proposed change to the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections to introduce the FPTP.

“Opposition has invited Nick Kuman, the sponsor of the Private Member’s bill to address us, and he graciously did so and explained his reasons to the caucus this week.

“After examining his reasons we have decided that there is no time to deliberate this matter properly between now and the 2022 elections.

PM tabled LLG elections review

The two-part report is the outcome of a constitutional directive to the PNG Constitutional Law Reform Commission (PNGCLRC) in 2018 to re-examine the relevant Organic Law to reform and improve the electoral system.

Prime Minister Marape said he was pleased to be presenting the report to Parliament and looked forward to seeing the PNG Electoral Commission begin implementing the recommendations immediately.

Polye refused interim orders

The court today heard an application by lawyer representing incumbent Kandep MP, Don Polye, asking the Supreme Court to admit two ballot boxes and refuse nine from being counted. 

The two ballot boxes are from the Kanian and Kinduli polling areas and were set aside from counting by the returning officer, without any objection raised, the court was told.

​Is polling on Sunday constitutional?

Lawyer and a candidate contesting the Ialibu-Pangia seat, Stanley Kuli Liria, filed an urgent application in the Supreme Court, seeking its interpretation on whether polling on Sunday was constitutional.

The matter briefly came for mention at 5pm on Tuesday and was adjourned to Monday, July 17.

The high court has been asked to interpret section 130 of the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government elections.

‘Traim tasol’ candidates will be eliminated with increase in nomination fees

The current nomination fee is K1,000, and the O’Neill – Dion Government will certainly make amendment to the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections (OLPLLG) in the March sitting before heading to the polls.

O’Neill in the second reading of the proposed legislative amendment, to change K1,000 to K10,000 on OLPLLG got an absolute majority vote 75- 14 despite shouting by the Opposition bench for more debates in Parliament on Wednesday.                

House to vote on amendment of National and LLG elections in next sitting

The second reading to change the nomination fee for intending candidates in the 2017 National Elections from K1,000 to K10,000 was passed by Parliament today. 

Despite calling by the Opposition bench in the chamber for a debate, the O’Neill- Dion Government flexed its numerical muscle to pass the OLPLLG without amendment.

Sir Puka Temu was the only government minister who voted for more time to debate the proposal for legislative changes.