Constitutional Law Reform Commission

Deputy Electoral Commissioner, John Kalamoro, revealed this during the two day seminar on the review of the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections and related laws.

This is one of the loopholes currently in the Organic Law which needs to be addressed by parliament.

Kalamora said while the Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) can make recommendations on the electorates to cater for any changes it must be part of a re-distribution review.

This was the process undertaken by the EBC and Parliament for the creation for Hela and Jiwaka.

The seminar began on Thursday 20th September in Port Moresby as part of the current nationwide consultation to review the Organic Law.

It allows stakeholders and the general public to give their views and opinions on the review.

PNG NRI Director, Dr, Osborne Sanida, called on participants to contribute meaningfully to the review

The objective of the seminar is to facilitate independent evidence-based views and opinions towards the review of the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government elections in Papua New Guinea.

Constitutional Law Reform Commission (CLRC) Secretary, Dr Eric Kwa, said this during his keynote address to auditors attending the 13^th Annual Conference of the Institute of Internal Auditors PNG Chapter.

He said under the ICAC Bill, any third party such as auditors who come across corrupt dealings but do not report them will be prosecuted.

Speaking at the 13^th Annual Conference, Dr Eric Kwa said the ICAC Bill allows for the prosecution of third parties who turn a blind eye to corrupt activities.

The proposal has been put forward by the Constitutional Law Reform Commission (CLRC) and awaiting government approval.

This follows the experience of the Ok Tedi Mine operations and the dumping of mine tailings which have polluted the Ok Tedi and Fly River systems.

International environmentalists say the damage will last for decades, if not centuries.

If passed by Government, the law will protect another of PNG major water systems, the Sepik River, from the proposed Frieda Mine project in West Sepik.

A recent review of the Organic Law by the Constitutional Law Reform Commission provides for provincial autonomy as well as a clause for provinces to manage their own finances.

CLRC Chairman, Dr Eric Kwa, said the commission was asked by the Government to review the law with a specific focus on ‘autonomy.’

“We want to provide opportunity for our provinces to get autonomy. And in that window, we also want to give them financial autonomy,” said Kwa.