Bougainville returning officials have been challenged to effectively perform their duties and responsibilities in preparation for the 2017 National Elections in Bougainville.
The acting Electoral Commissioner for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, George Manu, made the statement when addressing election officials during their enrolment training workshop in Buka last Tuesday.
He urged the officials to be mindful of their behaviour and attitudes when performing their electoral duties.
“We do not want to repeat similar mistakes committed by ROs (returning officers) and AROs (assistant ROs) engaged during the past national election and ABG elections in Bougainville,” Manu said.
“You are senior and very experienced election officers and I want you to perform your duties according to acceptable standards.
“I want you to use your experience by minimising the types of hiccups that we have experienced during the 2010, 2012 and 2015 elections.”
Manu also stressed on the importance of conducting the electoral activities as per the approved election budget. This is to avoid outstanding claims for payment for services rendered during the election.
Meanwhile, he assured the officials and the PNG Electoral Commission in Bougainville that OBEC will be available to provide assistance and support towards the conduct of the National Election in the Region prior to a memo signed between OBEC and PNGEC.