PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai

Unfortunately, this has not been the case across the country, and conducting safe elections has been particularly challenging in several provinces, districts, and the nation’s Capital, Port Moresby.

Sinai has called on leaders, political parties, candidates, scrutineers, and their supporters to respect the electoral process and refrain from inciting violence or intervening in the counting process.

Those are:

• Komo Hulia
• Koroba Kupiago
• Magarima
• Tari/Pori
• Hela Provincial
• Ialibu/Pangia
• Maprik
• Yangoru Saussia
• Huon Gulf
• Lae
• Pomio
• Rabaul
• Kavieng
• New Ireland Provincial
• Kiriwina-Goodenough

Sinai said the 21-day polling period specified in the electoral writs ended on Friday 22 July with polling completed in 21 provinces across the country. The only exception for polling is in parts of Enga.

In yesterday’s media conference Commissioner Simon Sinai said, “I am working with the Police Commissioner, Joint Security Task Force, and other stakeholders to make sure that the integrity of the election is safeguarded.”

He called on leaders and candidates to respect the electoral process and refrain from inciting violence or intervening in the process.

“Those who burn ballot boxes, or schools, or houses; those who have harmed other and those who have threatened election officials hold the rest of our people hostage.