papua new guinea

No COVID-19 tests on arrival: ANG

This was effective Friday 05th August.

PNG Pandemic Controller and Police Commissioner, David Manning, issued the latest Pandemic Order no. 2 on Friday, which removes all requirements for COVID-19 tests on arrival in the country.

All Air Niugini inbound passengers from Australia, Asia and the Pacific can now travel into Port Moresby without having to do any COVID-19 tests on arrival.

Duma: URP Remains Intact With PANGU

Re-elect member for Hagen and UR Party leader, William Duma made this statement this afternoon after welcoming newly elect Governor for Western Highlands, Wai Rapa at the APEC terminal in Port Moresby this afternoon.

The Governor traveled in from Hagen with newly elected member for Mul-Baiyer, Jacob Maki. 

Mr. Rapa is a UR Party endorsed candidate, while Mr Maki is a PANGU Pati candidate. 

Also present to welcome the delegation was the re-elect Governor for Gulf, Chris Haiveta and re-elect Member for Rigo, Sir Ano Pala. 

Juffa Retains Seat

The People’s Movement for Change Party Leader won by 24,283 votes and coming second was Jean Parkop with 19,654 votes. The winner took his stand after the 44th exclusion of Allen Mesa (PNC). 

Oro Province Election Manager, Daisy Hombogani, yesterday declared the winner and signed the writ. 
Mr Juffa thanked his people for mandating him for the third time. 

“During these elections we saw people respect one another, people worked together. Yes, we had hiccups, there were some accusations made but in general, the people of Oro have changed significantly.

Sir Puka Temu Re-elected

Our Development Party member, Sir Puka won by a margin finishing off with 10,970 votes ahead of PANGU Pati candidate, Evele Kala.

Kala ran second with 6,859 votes, the decider was given after the 24th exclusion of Kilroy Koirobete Genia (ULP).

The absolute majority was 8,915 and exhausted ballot papers were 9,957 votes. 

First Female Wins 2022 Seat

She won the Provincial seat by an absolute majority of 62, 640 votes, making history as the first female Governor for Central Province. 
 
Incumbent Governor, Robert Agarobe polled 58, 917 votes, 3, 444 votes short from Mrs Peter. 
 
The People National Congress Party female candidate has maintained the top 3 since counting began. 
 
In her declaration speech, she aims to restore the province back to its glory days of independence, where the province was prominent in nation building. 
 

73 Writs To Be Returned

"Today, Friday 5th of August is the set date for returning the majority of the writs to the Governor General. 

"With 82 Electorates now declared and over 73 writs received by my office, I am pleased to announce that I will return more than the majority of the writs by 4pm,” he added. 

Counting and declaration has been done for Hela, East Sepik, Morobe, Bougainville, East New Britian, Manus, New Ireland, West New Britian, Milne Bay and Northern seats. 

From the 73 writs to be returned excludes Markham, Kabwum and Laiagap. 

85 Seats Declared

Of the 85, New Guinea Islands completed all its 18 seats, while Southern region has six more seats to be declared from the 27 seats, Momase region has 21 from the total of 30 seats and the Highlands region has declared 25 seats from the total of 43 seats.

The Writs will be returned today at 4:06 pm to the Governor General.

Of the 85 seats, Pangu Pati is leading with 33 MPs.

Caretaker Prime Minister, James Marape in an earlier press conference is confident that PANGU Pati will be invited by Governor General to form the 11th Government next Tuesday.

Sir Ano Pala Declared For Rigo Open

Down to their final exclusion, Biari Cibby Ubuna (IND) was eliminated leaving Sir Ano Pala and National Alliance member, Turai Elemi.

Sir Ano Pala won the race by a tally of 9,173 votes whilst Elemi came second with 8,737 votes.

Lekwa Gure, the out-going member for Rigo Open contested for this year’s round but was eliminated on the 38th exclusion. Gure was present last night at the declaration to officiate a formal hand-over and take-over.

Sir Ano Pala acknowledged his presence as they sat side-by-side.

Wenge is Morobe’s Governor-elect

He exceeded the absolute majority of 112,581 with 130,363 votes.

Following behind was United Labour Party’s Kemas Tomala, with 94,798 votes.

Speaking after his declaration, Wenge expressed his intention to occupy the Prime Minister seat.

He then thanked electoral and counting officials, scrutineers and rival candidates for their efforts in ensuring a successful conclusion to the 2022 National General Elections.

Former governor, Ginson Saonu, was eliminated in the 34th exclusion.

Wenge was Morobe’s governor from 1997-2007.

Madang Expects All Declarations Today

Bogia open is the only seat declared as of yesterday afternoon, with sitting member Robert Naguri retaining his seat.
 
Declaration for Usino Bundi is expected to happen before midday. This newsroom was informed that they are into the final elimination process with the sitting MP leading with over 6,000 votes from the second person. 
Sumkar and Middle Ramu had started the elimination process yesterday and in progress with the final exclusions.