The PNG Electoral Commission has projected that 4.7 million eligible voters will be going to the polls to cast their votes.
“In 2012, a total of 4.7 million registered on the (Electoral) Roll,” Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said.
“For 2017, PNGEC is projecting some 5.1 million or 5.2 million eligible voters based on the 3.1 per cent annual average growth rate of PNG population as posted by National Statistical Office.
“Out of the 4.7 million registered voters in 2012, only 3.7 million actually cast their votes.
“Therefore, in 2017, PNGEC is projecting that out of the 5.1 million or 5.2 million eligible voters, only 4.7 million may actually cast their votes.”
Commissioner Gamato also clarified the printing of 10 million ballot papers.
“Given that, PNGEC went ahead with the printing of 10 million ballot papers – five million ballot papers for the Provincial Seats and five million ballot papers for the Open Seats.
“On polling day, one voter will be issued with two ballot papers to cast his/her votes for the Provincial and Open Seat,” Gamato said.