Regardless of an increase in the population in the country, many districts still have not undergo a review into the electoral boundaries since independence in 1975.
The Government has now put together a commission comprising of senior officers from the Electoral Commission, CLRC Secretariat and Members of Parliament to review the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections.
The Commission will be led by CLRC Secretary Dr Eric Kwa.
The Commission staff under the leadership of Secretary Dr Eric Kwahas has been given 18 months to deliver the Constitutional Directives.
Chairman of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, Robert Atiyafa during the launch today in Port Moresby said the Commission has also established a Secretariat, in accordance with its practise comprising key stakeholders – PNG Electoral Commission, the Office of the Intergrity of Political Parties and Candidates, the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, and the Department of PM and NEC.
The Commission include Robert Atiyafa – chairman, Deputy Commissioner Gerard Linge, Dr Allan Marat – MP Rabaul; Dr Kobby Bomareo – MP Tewai-Siassi; Dr William Longgar – Church rep; Dr Fiona Hukua – NRI; and Professor Mange Matui – UPNG.
The process for consultation will be in the form of public inquiry through similar arrangements as the conduct of a Commission of inquiry.
The 18 months commenced in March this year when the direction was gazette and instructions issued by the Governor General.
After the Commission completed its findings, a report will be tabled in Parliament for further deliberation and approval.