Chief Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai

“Elections are meant to be free and fair where citizens get the opportunity to choose their leader. There are rivalries in any contest whether it be politics or sports and we must always respect the rules of the game,” said Sinai.

Commissioner Sinai made these comments following reports of an incident that happened on Friday 27 May, 2022, in Okapa Eastern Highlands Province, where there was a clash between the supporters of sitting MP Saki Soloma and the public which resulted in burning down the convoy of vehicles belonging to the local MP.   

“Nominations are progressing well and we hope it will end on a high note tomorrow (May 26) with more candidates nominating before the close of nomination at 4pm,” said Sinai yesterday.

He said latest updates as off 10am today were about 1,295. The respective provincial electoral offices and districts have received nominations compiled.

Mr Sinai said six provinces including Eastern Highlands, Hela, East Sepik, Madang, Central and Autonomous Region of Bougainville have yet to send their candidate nomination updates by their respective Returning Officers (ROs).