Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission

Some polling places in the Highlands have been centralized in one location for security reasons and not for any other reasons. This follows concerns raised by candidates and their supporters over the centralizing of 19 polling places for security reasons to the new Singirok army barracks and Nondugl station in North Waghi, Jiwaka Province.

The PNG Electoral Commission has reactivated the establishment of an Election Advisory Committee for the 2017 National Election which will report directly to the Electoral Commissioner. It was dormant and non-operational for the past two general elections in 2007 and 2012.

The Electoral Commission is urging political parties that have not submitted their official list of candidates after the close of nominations to do so as a matter of urgency.Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato says political parties have been given until 4pm this Thursday to submit their official endorsed candidates list.

Chief Secretary to Government Ambassador Isaac Lupari says the draw down of K400 million in election funds is on target. He said that to facilitate the smooth and timely drawn of funds, two separate trust accounts have been created - one for PNG Electoral Commission to drawn its K279 million and the other for security agencies to draw down their K121 million for election security operations.

Preparations for polling and counting are underway while campaigning by candidates is progressing well. Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato says the Commission is now preparing for polling which commences on June 24 and counting which will be conducted soon after polling ends on July 8.

Preliminary candidate nomination figures show that 3332 candidates have nominated to contest the 2017 National Election. Out of the 3332 candidates, 165 women candidates have nominated nationwide to contest the male dominated race for Parliament. A total of 3343 candidates contested the 2012 election including 135 females.