Election writs for PNG’s GE22 today
News that matter in Papua New Guinea
Election writs for PNG’s
GE22 today
PORT MORESBY: The country’s General Election 2022 (GE22)
starts today (May 12, 2022) with the issuance of election writs followed by the
nomination of candidates until May 19, 2022.
And Prime Minister James
Marape called for peace and order to prevail in the 11th GE,
reminding Papua New Guinean that life imprisonment was now the maximum penalty
for illegal use and ownership of firearms.
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
electoral commissioner Simon Sinai said nomination of candidates would start at
4pm (today) in the offices of provincial returning officers (ROs). The offices
will be open from 8am to 4pm.
PNG Cyber Monitor reproduces below a few news updates on GE22 as published by The National:
Writs today
May 12, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
By REBECCA KUKU and GEORGINA KOREI
THE country’s 11th
General Election starts today with the issuance of election writs followed by
the nomination of candidates until May 19.
And Prime Minister James Marape called for peace and order to prevail in
general election, reminding Papua New Guineans that life imprisonment was now
the maximum penalty for illegal use and ownership of firearms.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) electoral commissioner Simon Sinai said nomination of
candidates would start at 4pm (today) in the offices of provincial returning
officers (ROs). The offices will be open from 8am to 4pm.
“The basic qualification for all electoral hopefuls to be nominated is that
they must be a PNG citizen aged 25 and above.
“They must be born in, or have a residence in the electorate for a period of
two years consecutively or for five years at any time.
“The nomination fee is K1,000 per candidate, and can be paid in cash during
nomination or through the Bank of South Pacific under the PNGEC 1000 489 658.
“If paid to the bank account, nominated candidates must bring the original copy
of the bank receipt at the time of nomination,” he added.
Deputy electoral commissioner John Kalamoroh said electoral hopefuls could
start paying their nomination fees at BSP bank and then produce the receipt at
the nomination centres.
“We will not accept group payments. If parties are paying the nomination fees
for their candidates, they must do so individually and not as a group.
“Those who wish to contest in this year’s general election are also reminded to
bring along four high quality passport photographs at the time of nomination so
that we can get your posters ready. Let me clarify, this is not posters for
campaigning but posters for polling.
“Nominations will be open for one week and will close at 4pm on Thursday,” he
added.
Meanwhile, acting political parties’ registrar Emmanuel Pok has reminded
electoral hopefuls to submit Forms 23, 29 and if endorsed by a party Form 30.
“Form 23 is the nomination for candidate for election as a Member of
Parliament, Form 29 is the nominated candidate’s information.
“Form 30 is for those who are endorsed by a party and is for party information.
All these forms must be submitted at the time of nomination,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Anton Billie said candidates should
control their supporters’ behaviour during nomination to avoid trouble and
maintain peace.
“Educate all your supporters on election laws to ensure that they do not breach
the election process. It is our responsibility as potential leaders,” he added.
Marape also thanked the Australian government for helping PNG with safe and
secure printing and delivery of ballot papers, and the Indian government for
supplying the indelible ink for polling day.
Security personnel
deployed nationwide
May 12, 2022The NationalMain Stories
SECURITY personnel,
comprising policemen, soldiers and Correctional Service men, are expected to be
deployed nationwide to help provide public security for the general election,
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Anton Billie says.
“Some units were deployed earlier to the Highlands region due to the continuous
tribal fights but the remaining police manpower are set for deployment next
week,” he added.
He said with the manpower of 10,000 police personnel that would be deployed for
the election security operations included the police mobile composites in the
Highlands region.
“We will be supported by 500 Correctional Service personnel and 1,000
soldiers,” he added.
He said the focus of general election security deployment of the joint forces
would be mostly on the highlands provinces because of the past bad experiences.
“All the provinces in the highlands region are high risk areas, as far as the
general election is concerned,” he added.
He said with the ongoing tribal fights by warlords in Tari, Porgera and Mt
Hagen, more security personnel would be deployed there to ensure that the
public get to exercise their democratic right to elect leaders without any
threat or intimidation.
“The security personnel deployed to the hotspot will patrol along the highway
from one province to another to help each other when chaos breaks out.
“Other security personnel will also be deployed to hotspot coastal provinces
like Milne Bay, Madang and West New Britain.
“I wish all our security joint task force members all best and go serve the
country with pride to protect the democratic rights of all Papua New Guineans,”
he added.
Milne Bay bans liquor
Peter Barkie
By AILEEN KWARAGU
MILNE Bay commander
Superintendent Peter Barkie says there will be a complete ban on liquor from
today till the end of the general election.
“This means no outlet or hotels will be allowed to sell liquor (until the
return of election writs on July 29),” he added.
Barkie said the ban was necessary for public safety and security given the
rising number of alcohol-related violence in the province.
“Our security manpower is also limited. So, we have recruited special
constables to work with us to provide security in the general election,” said,
adding that the constables would undergo training next week before they could
be deployed to polling sites. Meanwhile, National Capital District (NCD)
Metropolitan Superintendent Gedion Ikumu said: “Alcohol consumption should be
banned. We are extremely concerned with alcohol and drunkards at the four
polling sites in Port Moresby.
“After the general election, there is then no reason to continue with a ban.”
He said police proposed the period of ban to the NCD Election Steering
Committee yesterday, considering Police Minister William Onglo’s appeal to all
governors to ban alcohol consumption.
“We have discussed with NCD governor Powes Parkop to consider the proposed ban
aimed at licensed liquor dealers in the city.
Parkop told The National yesterday that a total ban on alcohol
consumption would not be an option as “we will need to make provisions for
businesses”.
July 22 D-day for
Papua New Guineans
May 12, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
They have, from today to July 22 to make their choice.
This year’s general election is expected to be hotly contested and voters will
not be spoilt for choice to elect 22 provincial governors, 96 members
representing “open” electorates (Members of Parliament or MPs).
In 2017, a total of 42 parties slugged it out but only 21 parties won seats
with the People’s National Congress (PNC) emerging with the biggest number. PNC
fielded 95 candidates and 29 won.
The other top five parties were the National Alliance, United Resources Party
and Independents.
A total of 3,337 candidates, including Independents, contested.
This time around, the number of candidates is expected to exceed more than in
2017.
The counting and tallying of ballots start almost immediately on July 23 and
the return of election writs is scheduled for July 29.
The election fever starts today with the nomination of candidates and Papua New
Guineans will be kept on their edge throughout the 59 days of campaigning that
ends on July 8.
In 2017, not a single woman in electoral history won a seat in the 111-member
Parliament. A total of 167 women were nominated for 2017.
The election in 2012 saw a record three women elected to Parliament – Eastern
Highlands Governor Julie Soso, Delilah Gore (Sohe) and Loujaya Kouza (Lae) but
not a single of the incumbent was returned to Parliament in 2017.
Since independence and after nine general elections (including 2017), only
seven women have been elected to Parliament in Papua New Guinea.
Most independent observers reported that 2017 was delivered on the back of
significant funding, administrative and logistical challenges, including
inclement weather, that hampered the PNG Electoral Commission’s ability to
administer the election within the prescribed period.
Significant issues with the voter registration process were an unfortunate
feature of the general election in 2017, with a large number of names missing
from the electoral roll.
Most groups were disappointed that previous recommendations to improve the
accuracy of the roll and to review constituency boundaries were not implemented
by both the commission and previous Governments.
Prime Minister James Marape, under the PNC banner, was the first candidate to
be declared the winner in 2017. He polled 30,192.
NGI is ready for
polls, says N’dranou
May 12, 2022The NationalMain Stories
THE New Guinea Islands region is
ready for this year’s general election nomination of candidates today,
commander Assistant Commissioner Perou N’dranou says.
“We had started pre-election security operations last month,” he added.
“Manus, New Ireland and East New Britain have already launched their
operations, and we will soon launch the West New Britain operations.
“We will now go into Phase 2, that is to provide security for and during the
nomination period (from today to May 19),” he told The National.
N’dranou said despite the recent fights in the region, the issue was addressed
and the region was ready for the general election.
He appealed to electoral hopefuls who would be going around with supporters to
ensure that they behaved.
“If you want to raise your hand as a leader, then you have to start now. Not
after the election, if you are elected. Show your leadership qualities.
“Do what you are supposed to do and nominate, campaign, but do so as a leader.
“Cooperate and work with us to deliver a peaceful, free and fair election for
Papua New Guineans to exercise their democratic rights every five years,” he
added.
N’dranou said Mobile Squads 17, 18, and 19 stationed in the region would be
providing security support for the region.
Warning about electoral offences
May 12, 2022The NationalMain Stories
By REBECCA KUKU
ANYONE caught destroying, defacing and/or forging a nomination paper will face up to two years imprisonment, Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai says.
With nominations set to begin today at 4pm, Sinai urged candidates, their supporters, voters, electoral officials and the public to adhere to the electoral laws and regulations and not to take part in illegal practices and commit electoral offences during the nomination period.
He said under the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 191 (7) Fraudulently destroying or defacing a nomination paper, or Section 191 (11) Forging a nomination paper, would incur a penalty of imprisonment for two years.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission Office also made an Electoral Offences booklet and issued copies to political parties and intending candidates.
Sinai said it was vital that intending candidates, their supporters, voters, electoral officials and the public knew what these laws and regulations were, especially those actions that were prohibited and considered electoral offences.
“This Electoral Offences booklet compiles all the illegal acts and election related offences under the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections, the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates and the Criminal Code Act (Chapter 262),” he said.
“This is vital to the integrity and credibility of elections that all electoral laws and regulations are followed by all the electoral participants.”
Students told to remain neutral during election
STUDENTS in the
country have been told to remain neutral during the general election.
Education secretary Dr Uke Kombra said this when giving an update on teachers
and school involvement in the election.
He said students could represent their tribesmen or women in the campaign but
not to represent the schools they came from.
Kombra said students were not allowed to participate in political rallies,
gatherings and campaigns and those involved would be punished.
“No political rallies, speeches, meetings, gatherings, sponsored activities and
sports must be conducted in any of the national education system schools
whether it is an elementary, primary, secondary or vocational centre,” he said.
Kombra said school assets such as grounds, tables, chairs, PA systems, vehicles
and classrooms must not be hired for political activities.
“All heads of schools should not in any way publically show alliance or support
any candidate or political party but as much as possible, remain neutral,” he
said.
Kombra said those defying these directives would be penalised appropriately
through relevant authorities.
Kombra said all eligible students who would be allowed to exercise their
democratic right to vote but they must return to classes after voting.
Teachers can participate in general election,
official says
TEACHERS can
participate in the general election but return to class on the set date, Teaching
Service Commission (TSC) chairman Samson Wangihomie says.
Wangihomie said teachers had democratic rights to exercise in the conduct of
this election, especially to teach students on the democratic process of
elections, how it was conducted, the voting, counting and the formation of the
government.
“In doing so, they must not force any one to vote for a political party or
candidate,” he said.
Wangihomie said teachers were allowed to participate in this year’s national
election as election officials, scrutineers and this must be approved by the
appropriate authorities.
He said after the completion of their engagement, they must return to classes
on the set dates given by the department.
“If they don’t return on time, it might result in disciplinary action,
including salary deduction,” he said.
Wangihomie said teachers would be on full pay and if the electoral commission
wished to pay them after hours, it was okay by the TSC.
“Teachers and the families can take part in the voting of the candidates of
their choices, but teachers must not influence students in the school who are
eligible to vote.”
Respect traffic rules: Police
CANDIDATES and their supporters should follow
traffic rules during the nomination period to avoid accidents, says a senior
police officer.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Operations Anton Billie said candidates and
their supporters should not overload big trucks with people during the
nomination period.
“Candidates nationwide should decently drive in three to four cars to go and
nominate to avoid unnecessary traffic offences,” he said.
“Passengers overloading in big cars is a traffic offence.”
Billie said from his experience during past elections, there were many reports
of road accidents so it was better to warn the public to take precautionary
measures.
“Supporters of candidates and the public get excited during nomination and
campaign period and road accidents have happened during the past elections,
claiming lives,” he said.
Billie urged the public to stay in homes and communities and wait for
candidates to show up in their communities to campaign.
“Do not move around in loads and in convoys, there is a high possibility of
road accidents,” he said.
Billie said candidates must not conduct rally in public places that can cause
inconvenience to the public by loading their supporters and driving around
causing traffic jam.
“Campaign managers of candidates should have plans on how their campaigns
should be carried out in communities and not on the road disturbing the public
traffic,” he said.
Billie said traffic police and the Road Traffic Authority would be working
together to monitor the traffic and ensure that candidates and their supporters
follow traffic rules.
“Our life is precious and the public must follow the traffic rules to avoid
accidents,” he said.
Pok: Stability,
loyalty key
May 12, 2022The
NationalMain Stories
ANY political party
can run the next government with confidence if stability and loyalty are
practised, an official says.
Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) acting
registrar Emmanuel Pok said the formation of the next government depended
entirely on candidates’ behaviour and movement during the elections.
“We want candidates to remain loyal and stable,” he said.
“It’s a must they stick to their political party and avoid influential trends
to join other parties.
“Loyalty shown to any political party will reduce a high level of political
instability.
“Once you become a member of a party, you stick to that party.
“The trend of politics has change and leaders lack loyalty to their party.”
Pok said despite differences between ordinary people and leaders who are
members of political parties, the shift in alliance by ordinary people did not
affect the prominence of a political party.
He said it was the leaders who affected the prominence of a political party
when they shifted alliances.
“In PNG, it’s a numbers game,” he said.
“The number of parties goes up and down is because there is no loyalty shown by
the leaders and they are the ones who will determine the next formation of
government.”
Pok said their serious concern was to see people forming parties with good
intentions to contest the election and after election stay committed to the
party and build the party into institutions.
“You form the party, you register the party and you stay with the party,” he
said.
“Whether the party wins a seat or not, you must be there because that’s your
job.”
PNG Defence Force to have new landing craft:
Goina
Mark GoinaTHE Papua New Guinea
Defence Force is expecting to receive its fourth ship – a landing craft –
today.
Commander Major-General Mark Goina said they had three ships currently
patrolling the Papua New Guinea waters and the landing craft would be used to
carry cargo.
“Sea borders are also important and it is part of our job as the custodians of
the country to ensure that our sea borders are protected at all times,” he
said.
“Even during the election period, the three ships and the new one, will carry
out normal operations and assist with election security wherever or whenever
the need arises.”
Meanwhile, Goina said that all defence teams engaged under the Joint Security
Task Force would be deployed two weeks before polling started.
“Only for the hotspot areas, we have teams on the ground to assist police in
creating a safe environment for nomination,” he said.
“But the full operation will begin during the polling period.
“I appeal to the people, the candidates, their supporters and the voters to
work in partnership with my men during the election period, take ownership of
it and let us work together to deliver a safe, free and fair election.”
PNGDF troops are currently based in Western Highlands, Enga, Southern Highlands
and Hela to provide support to police for the nomination period.
Respect party policies: Basil
THE United Labour
Party (ULP) Morobe branch has dedicated its nine intending candidates during a
service at the Gwem Lutheran Parish in Buang, Bulolo.
Head pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG, Buang Circuit, Yambitung
Yasasa, urged the candidates to be true servants
of the people by upholding Christian values in leadership and
commit to delivering the policies of ULP.
Party leader and Bulolo MP Sam Basil said ULP would not be contesting the Lae
and Finschhafen open electorates as a token of appreciation and respect to
their coalition partner – Pangu Pati.
Basil urged all ULP endorsed candidates to honour the policies of the party
when they were voted in.
“All ULP endorsed candidates will campaign on party policies and be practical
in telling the people how policies of ULP can translate into improving the
current circumstances in the infrastructural, economic and social services
sector of the urban and rural communities in the country,” he said.
Former politician urges candidates to revisit
Constitution
By YVONNE KAMBIBEL
PAPUA New Guinea’s first brigadier-general and former politician Ted Diro has
urged all those contesting in the general election to revisit the Constitution.
Diro, who was a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP), said changes and
adjustments should be made in accordance to the Constitution.
He said “there are no bad countries, only rogue politicians”.
Speaking during a recent launching of the “Future of PNG Party” in Port
Moresby, he urged all new candidates to visit or revisit the Constitution.
Diro said that would help them find that historical connectivity to enable them
to serve in the best interests of the people.
“If you are not able to take risks or spend your own money, then you are not
worthy in politics,” he said.
Diro, who has been out of politics for 17 years, also spoke about the new party
policies.
He said party policies were people-centered and was similar to those of PAP of
which he was still a member.
“I’m impressed just learning about how the party executives plan to implement
their policies should one of their candidates get elected into Parliament,” he
said.
Diro said it was time new leaders of the nation focused on reform, restructure
and revival and to achieve those on all levels, they first needed to revisit
the Constitution to help guide their way.
He also spoke about good leadership qualities and some of the key policies that
leaders needed to implement once they were elected into Parliament.
READY TO SERVE …
Police in East Sepik during a parade at the Somare stadium in Wewak on Tuesday.
Provincial police commander Supt Albert Beli says a team, led by provincial
task force commander Senior Inspector James Baugen, are now stationed at
Yangoru to provide security during election. This followed a recent riot and
ACP Border Command Peter Philip’s instruction for those policemen who had been
serving at the station to leave before Friday. – Picture supplied
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