Polling

After eight rigid weeks of walking through rough, rugged terrain and ridges to campaign, candidates can rest, while the country decides in the polling booth.

This election campaign has been described by many as ‘quiet’ compared to the previous elections.

Social media has been the most effective campaign platform for many candidates, and also for public scrutiny and criticism.

Provincial Returning Officer, Simon Soheke said local level governments of Lae, Ahi, Wampar and Nawae Urban will conduct one day polling on Thursday June 29.

He said in Morobe alone more than 400 thousand eligible voters will cast their votes starting this Saturday.

Soheke said most polling materials have been distributed, while materials for about four districts have yet to be sent out.

Nathan Piari, commonly referred to as Mr West, has called on the people, especially in the Highlands, to abide by law and conduct themselves peacefully during polling.

Piari, who formally contested the Enga Regional seat in the 2012 national election and now running for his Laigaip/Porgera constituency under the ruling People's National Congress Party said the campaign period has been peaceful so far and the same should be maintained during polling.

2017 General Election underway!

http://www.looppng.com/elections/2017-general-election-underway-57134

The 2017 General Election is now underway following the signing and issue of Writs this morning.

Thousands witness PNC members’ nominations

http://www.looppng.com/elections/thousands-witness-pnc-members%E2%80%99-nominations-57135

PNG Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said they’re yet to finalise the polling schedule which he will sign off and have it gazetted and released.

The polling schedule will include the place and dates of voting at the different venues in the electorates across the country so people know exactly where to go and vote.

Issue of Writs today indicated the start of nominations and eight weeks campaign period.

Candidates can pay a nomination fee of K1,000 into the electoral commission trust account.