2022 National General Elections

PNGEC Upgrades Website For Better Results

The PNGEC says the results website is a public information tool, it does not determine the outcome of an election.

“This results management system complements and reflects the paper results forms that are the legal record of the results, and are completed and signed at the counting centres by electoral officials and scrutineers,” PNG Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai said.

The PNGEC acknowledges that a notice was circulated claiming the results website was compromised.

Return Of Writs Extended To August 5

The extension has been published in the National Gazette No. G597 dated 29th July, 2022 at 4pm. This means that the Writs for the 2022 National will be returned to the Head of State on 5th August.

The Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai sought the extension as a precaution to enable scrutiny and counting to be concluded and for results to be declared in the provincial and open electorates.

Commissioner Sinai cited special circumstances that warrant the extension of the return of writs, noting delays during the polling period as per the following:

Maneke Races Ahead

The progressive tally recorded for Nakanai open after the 9th exclusion has also confirmed the elimination of Independent candidate, Jimmy Joseph with his 997 votes distributed.

The Top 5 contenders for Nakanai Open are:

Gulf Counting Progress Despite Setbacks

The counting yesterday for Gulf provincial, Kerema and Kikori open seats were delayed for almost a day.

The candidates and scrutineers had confronted the Gulf Electoral Office stating that there were irregularities in the counting and should not continue.

However, counting resumed late yesterday after candidates, supporters and the provincial electoral office reached an understanding. 

As of midday today, PANGU Pati candidate, Thomas Opa is leading the race and still maintains lead since Monday, 25th July.

The progressive tally for Kerema Open:

PANGU Numbers Build Up

“I congratulate Nuku MP and Public Service Minister, Joe Sungi, on retaining his seat,” Marape said.

“He is a PANGU strongman and a hardworking minister who has been effectively driving the public service.”

The declaration of Mr Sungi yesterday (Wednesday July 27 2022) brings to 10 the number of PANGU MPs declared so far. They are also leading in 24 other seats throughout the country.

“Seventeen (17) other PANGU candidates are sitting comfortably on second or third place, so I am very confident of us doing extremely well.”

Billie Commends Highlands West

Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief of Operations, Anton Billie lauded Chimbu, Jiwaka and Western Highlands for a peaceful polling and counting, despite some minor issues during the start of elections.

He said counting and declaration of the 2022 National General Election in Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces are progressing peacefully without much disturbances as expected.

New Ireland Day Called Off

Wednesday 27th July, was gazetted as a public holiday as per Provincial Executive Council decision #10, however, Governor-elect Sir Julius Chan advised all New Irelander’s, including schools, Public Servants, Business Houses, Churches and the General public, to commemorate the day in their own special way. 

Sir Julius thanked all New Irelanders for a peaceful election period and asked everyone to take the time to reflect on how far they have come since the signing of the Provincial Charter in 1977.

Hiri-Koiari Prep For Quality Check

Ballot boxes for Central Provincial seat were transferred to Ben Moide Club at Murray Barracks today.

Hiri-Koiari Returning Officer, Leo Ameua, said that before resuming quality checks, sitting arrangements will be reorganized. The number of counting officials will also be reduced.

He said this is to make sure the Open and Regional seat counting areas are not overcrowded.

Wong Retains Seat

Wong, 44, is the third candidate in East New Britain to be declared Member of Parliament.

Returning Officer, John Wartovo declared Wong at 2.30 pm after the 31st and final exclusion at midday. Wong’s final tally was 9,348 votes with National Alliance candidate and former Gazelle MP, Malakai Tabar coming in second with 6, 373 votes. The Absolute Majority was 7,861.

Pepson Calls For Royal COI on Elections

Pepson has called on the next Government to institute a Commission of Inquiry to establish the facts around the organization and conduct of the 2022 National Elections with a key focus on the facts that led to violence that erupted especially in Port Moresby, Hela and Enga provinces.