2022 National General Elections

Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang called on the supporters, indenting candidates, and the people of Madang to respect one other during this important period.

PPC Rubiang specifically warned drivers who overload trucks during nomination and campaigning, that they will be arrested and charged for overloading. He said there had been reports of people overloading trucks, and disturbing the public. These activities will be carefully monitored.

Ward Councilor for Maopa 2 Village, Ravu Vali Kila hopes some form of awareness will be made soon.

“Currently 2022 election in my ward there is about seven open candidates that attended to my ward about their awareness. For regional seat its only one. We have heard that there is a certain number that is going to run for regional seat however we haven’t seen any of them. But for District there is about five. After the writs open we will know how many are running for regional seat and how many are running for the Open seat, so from there we will know and cast our votes.”

NAC Managing Director, Rex Kiponge in a press conference yesterday said flights cancellation is the prerogative of Airline companies based on their assessments.

“NAC does not dictate airline companies. The airport is secured and in operation,” he said.

His comments comes after civil unrest in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province on Wednesday over election-related issues.

Mr Kiponge further called on the people of Western Highlands to follow proper processes in grieving their frustrations. 

PNG Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai in his discretion as head of the country's election management body has deferred the nominations to allow for the grieving party of late Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Basil to organize proper after his sudden passing. 

Commissioner Sinai said, the United Labour Party (ULP) and all other parties are fundamental to the elections. 

He added that ULP is endorsing candidates around the country and thus will be allowed time to grieve the loss of the late DPM. 

Date for the return of writs remains unchanged. 

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu said the province’s pre-election security operation started on April 12, where police officers in Manus carried out election awareness around the town area.

He said the roll out of awareness is convenient yet effective whilst waiting for election funding from the provincial government as well as the Police Headquarters in Port Moresby.

Secretary for the Department of Education Dr. Uke Kombra said that teachers and students around the country must take note of school term dates for Primary and Secondary schools.

As instructed, the previous school terms dates have been revised and changed and now coincide with the election dates.

Adjustments were only made to school terms 2 and 3, and not term 4.

The school calendar as per revised and instructed goes;

He said the liquor ban will start on Thursday, when the Writs are issued to the end of the election period.

PPC Barkie said the alcohol ban during the election in all alcohol selling outlets was the idea of the Government’s call to make this election safe.

He said he supports the idea because many alcohol-related issues had led to many law and order problems. 

PPC Barkie said the provincial licensing board before the decision of the Government had banned the sales of liquor in all outlets but allowed the hotels to sell.

TIPNG Chairman, Peter Aitsi said key information from the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) on the 2022 General Election has not been forthcoming.

 “Two weeks ago Electoral Commissioner published an announcement of the revised election schedule issued by Head of State, Governor General, Sir Bob Dadai.

 On Friday 6th May 2022 PNGEC officials were unable to produce a gazettal notice, giving effect to this announcement. This is a serious concern”, he added.

The Department of Personnel Management has issued circular No. 6 of 2022 for all National Departmental Heads, Provincial Administrators, Heads of other Public Authorities, and Public Servants to release their staff with full pay during the said period.

In another Circular No. 8 of 2022, DPM has approved the release of Public Servants from their duties to have the opportunity to cast their votes during the voting period commencing July 9 to July 22.

DPM Secretary, Taies Sansan said all Public Servants are encouraged to arrange to cast their votes in their own time.

DPM Secretary, Taies Sansan said in light of the looming National General Elections, following directions are now issued: