Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission

1907 PNGEC Launches Nationwide Roll update at Kwikila Station, Central Province

The Electoral Commission will commence its Electoral Roll Update program this month following the Launching of the Electoral Roll update yesterday July 13^th, 2016 at the Kwikila station in the Rigo District, Central Province. It was a memorable event as the Provincial Administrator Mr. Gei Raga expressed his gratitude for PNGEC to use the Rigo district as a platform to launch its nationwide Electoral Roll update exercise for the 2017 General Elections. During his speech he was delighted of the decision of decentralizing the roll where the data entry processing of enrolment forms will now be done at the Provincial and District offices unlike in the past where the forms are entered at the Electoral Commission Headquarters. It was a stepping stone in the history of elections and for the reason being able to give ownership and responsibility back to the province and district. He also stated that it was to save costs and time.  Mr. Raga assures PNGEC that the Enrolment Roll update program in central province, gets first priority where he pledged K400, 000 to PNGEC to assist in the Electoral Roll update program. 

(Mr Gamato cuts the ribbon to officially open the Data processing center as Mr Raga looks on)

During the Event, a new K40, 000 Data Processing Center was also officially opened by the PNG Electoral Commissioner Mr. Patilias Gamato, ML was very grateful that the Central Province Government was dedicated in the Roll decentralization that they went ahead and prepared a Data Processing Center for the Roll update. Mr. Gamato also explains that the Electoral Roll update program includes; enrolling new electors who are 18 years of age, removing the deceased, transfer of names to new locations and enrolling those who are 17 years of age and who will be able to vote on the eve of election when  the Writs are issued on the 20^th April, 2017

Intending Returning Officers (RO) and possible Election workers were also given strong words from Mr. Gamato that they must perform their duties without fear or favor but to do their work diligently for PNGEC and the people of this nation. Mr. Gamato also clarified that the Enrollment Exercise should take up to 3 to 4 months which should finish by December 2016 or January 2017. The field work should take up to 2 months therefore the Enrolment Agent’s training will commence right away starting with Milne Bay Province and Rigo district followed by the rest of the country.

JERRY WALKER ANIS
IRC Project Officer