2022 general elections

Decentralise PNGEC functions

The Committee was in Lae early this month to look into the conduct of the general election and how best to improve the processes for the next elections.

The predominant issue outlined by all participants were the electoral roll update – or lack of it – and the lack of transparency with election funding that was received by the PNG Electoral Commission.

Kaupa retains MNE seat

Kaupa won by 18,365 votes. Runner-up Alfred Andapanga Baliawe finished with 17,580 votes. 

The member-elect exceeded the absolute majority of 18,038 votes. 

Present at the declaration was Deputy Prime Minister of the care-taker government, John Rosso, Governor for Hela Province, Philip Undialu, and runner-up Andapanga Baliawe.

Marum Is ENB Governor-elect

The former PNG Kumuls and Hunters coach raced home to victory with 33,285 votes to be declared governor-elect for the province at 4pm.

Marum in an official speech acknowledged the efforts of provincial electoral officials and the office for the past two weeks. He also lauded outgoing governor, Nakikus Konga.

“I thank outgoing Governor, Konga for his time and efforts over the past five years. Now that I have taken over, I look forward to working with him.

Aspiring women candidates meet

Aspiring intending candidate, Jean Eparo, emphasised strength and determination to 60 women leaders from throughout the country, who intend to contest the upcoming 2022 general elections, at the National Forum on Women’s Political Participation being held this week at Alotau Bay Hotel.

Eparo, from Northern Province, stressed the importance of planning, budgeting time and money – but regardless of gender, women want to become political leaders in their provinces, and they have to stand as an alternate leader.