Returning officers

In a press conference held on Friday 18 February, Commissioner Sinai said names of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers will be announced in March, before the Issue of Writs in April.

He said his decision to hold back on announcing the names earlier was to avoid manipulation and influence that would negatively affect the outcome of election operations.

The Commission said it is important that people recognize the importance of the election process and it is the responsibility of the election management body to ensure that this happens. 

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato made this comment after a petition by candidates in the Moresby North-East Electorate of NCD to replace the RO, who delayed the counting process.        

“We are already into election, it is very important because when the writs are issued by the Head of State, he issues the writ to the returning officer and for me to change that is not correct,” Gamato said.

“If they have any issue or complaints, they go after the electoral process and they can file before the Court of Disputed Returns.”