Elections

Election Campaign ends July 1st

He said candidates have this week to polish up and do their final campaigning.

Sinai said all campaign activities including movement of people and staging rallies will end on Friday. He urged candidates to observe and respect electoral laws by removing loud hailers and speakers mounted on their vehicles after Friday in readiness for polling which starts on 4 July 2022.

The Commissioner said polling will not be conducted on Saturday and Sunday (July 2-3), as these are considered days of worship and is protected by law.

Timely Donation For Security Forces

Police Commissioner, David Manning said the vests and helmets would ensure the security forces are able to maintain their operations effectively throughout the election period.

He said the appropriate vests or protection gears added an increased level of confidence to the members of the security forces.

Commissioner Manning made this remarks during the signing of the gifting agreement between the Australian Government and the Royal PNG Constabulary yesterday in Port Moresby.

Police Issues Illegal Gun Warning

He said individuals found guilty will be charged under the recently amended Firearms Act 2022 urging the public to “seriously question their character and integrity”.

“Those candidates who feel the need to carry firearms and move around, I can say that they have no place in the election.

 “We will not take this matter lightly. If it means they spend time in jail waiting for bail during this election period”, he added.  

NIP Teachers Warned

Apelis Benson said he has seen school trucks for Lasiliba, Lamusmus, Tapias, Yaraka, Lemakot TVET and Primary including Maggai Agro Secondary School, used for campaigns.

Mr. Benson has further warned teachers to stay away from engaging in campaigns.

“So far I have seen direct breach of the Joint circular from the Teaching Service Commission and National Department of Education,” he said.

Increase in Morobe’s female candidates

Twenty-two female candidates in Morobe have nominated to contest nine of the 11 seats in the province.

This year’s elections has seen seven more female candidates nominate, compared to 2017 where only 15 raised their hands to contest 7 seats.

Six female candidates are contesting the Nawaeb Open seat, the regional seat has four, three in Markham Open, two female candidates each for Bulolo, Huon Gulf and Tewai-Siassi, and one female candidate each for Finschhafen, Menyamya and Wau-Waria.

Kabwum and Lae have no female contestants.

Look beyond campaign promises: Toroama

“This election is very crucial to the future of Bougainville, and who we elect as our representatives in the National Parliament will determine our future based on their loyalty to Bougainville and commitment to serving our wish for independence that was expressed in 2019 Bougainville Referendum,” said the President.

“I urge every Bougainvillean to look beyond the campaign promises of monetary gain and delusions of grandeur that is evident during any election.

Uphold Peace, Order During Election

ENB provincial returning officer Joab Voivoi said as of close of nominations on Thursday May 26), people must take ownership of the 2022 general elections.

“Candidates, supporters and the general voting population must respect each other and work together so we can witness and orderly and peaceful election in the province, which has been witnessed in past elections,” he said.

Mr Voivoi reported that nominations in the province in the past week were orderly and peaceful.

Party Hosts Festival

Present for the event were Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor, Dadi Toka Jr, Moresby South Member, Justin Tkatchenko, supporters and intending candidates from different electorates in Port Moresby. They came in support of NCD Governor Powes Parkop.
 
“You do realize Port Moresby city is the epicenter of all 22 provinces. All of us here in this city we are represented by the Bird of Paradise. This city is the fastest growing city in the region. In the Pacific region it’s the fastest growing city. 

Six Women To Contest ENB Seats

Six of the total nominees are women.

Lanieth Aua and Dulcie Kins, both independent candidates, are contesting the regional seat.

Three women are contesting the Gazelle Open seat. They are Theonila Watt running under Advance PNG Party, Kathleen Midal Kunai (Independent) and Magreth Sowa (Independent).

Cathleen Baragu is contesting the Kokopo Open seat under PNG One Nation Party
 

Elect A Good Leader

The nomination held over the past week has brought mixed feelings, new sentiments, a lot of hype, some celebrations and more is expected in the coming weeks.

Robert Midi, 22, from Hela Province was part of the crowd at Unagi Oval yesterday, witnessing nominations for Moresby Northeast and the last day of nomination nationwide.

The young man was among supporters of three different candidates, when he was approached to share his thoughts and views on the election.

Robert is witnessing for the first time the elections in the nation’s capital.