Ballot papers for New Ireland province are being distributed to the two respective electorates of Namatanai and Kavieng in preparation for polling. 

Ballot papers for Namatanai were delivered on Wednesday (June 29) under tight police security.

According to Provincial Returning Officer, Benjamin Kliawi, 31 boxes containing a total of 55,750 ballot papers were distributed to Namatanai electorate.

Meanwhile 21 boxes holding 42,950 ballot papers for Kavieng Open still remain in the holding container at the Kavieng Police Station. 

“Both electorates have a total of 52 boxes which contain a grand total of 98,700 ballot 

papers for New Ireland province,” said Kliawi.

Kliawai also confirmed that for Namatanai, a total of 82 ballot boxes were distributed, 41 of which are for Namatanai open and 41 for the Provincial seat. 

According to the Police Chief, police personnel have been doing 24/7 monitoring and securing of the sensitive materials since the arrival last week Tuesday. 

PPC Chief Inspector, Felix Nebanat says upon the electoral office’s request, police had to secure the perimeter of the storage container and oversee the extraction of the ballot papers. 

“These sensitive materials are transported under heavy escort along the four hour stretch

of the Boluminksi highway to ensure they arrive safely in Namatanai,” Nebanat said. 

PPC Nebanat appealed to the voting populace of New Ireland, candidate scrutineers and police scrutineers to make it their business to know the number of ballot papers for respective LLGs.

“It is critical that you know the total number of ballot papers so quality check or cross examination can be done when it comes to counting,” said PPC Nebanat.

In that way, you help the police in keeping a tab on the election process in order to maintain transparency, he concluded. 

New Ireland, Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat, said his men and women will ensure, security for the 2022 National General Election in the province is guaranteed. 

He reiterated this upon the arrival of non-sensitive election materials in Kavieng earlier this week. 

“New Ireland Police is on par with protecting election materials that is kept under police security,” Nebanat said.

He confirmed that a section of the Tomaringa Mobile Squad was tasked to escort the election team to ensure the materials are safely delivered to its designated destination. 

“We have to remain vigilant always in carrying out our duties in making sure this election is safe, fair and secure,” Nebanat said.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Felix Nebanat

PPC Nebanat revealed that his operation order is all set with two sections from Tomaringa mobile squad already on the ground with the PNG Defence Force expected to arrive later this week. 

He said the additional personnel from sister forces and will be embedded into his command 

structure to give support to the 325 local police in the Province. 

Meanwhile PPC Nebanat warned candidates, groups and supporters with the intention to rigg the election to refrain from that intent. 

“I will not hesitate to deal with this offence with the highest level of force to appropriately deal with such situations if and when they arise,” said Nebanat. 

New Ireland non-sensitive election materials

New Ireland Assistant Election Manageress, Annette Bais also stressed that this election is anticipated to be different from the previous elections with higher risks anticipated according to threat analysis. 

However she expressed confidence in the security forces in ensuring the election process comes to a successful conclusion and is carried out transparently and safely. 

She confirmed that the arrival of the non-sensitive materials completes the necessary election 

materials required for polling as New Ireland prepares to join the nation in going into polls in a week’s time.

People’s Reform Party is one political party determined to form Government in the 11th Parliament. 

PRP Leader, James Donald revealed this in Kiunga during a rally. Donald said PRP is ready to transform and reform the country with its policies as the driving factor. 

“We can be an economic power in the Pacific if we embark on better policies that are workable for us,” said Donald.

Incumbent North Fly MP and PRP Leader, James Donald, speaking to the crowd in Western Province.

He urged Papua New Guinean’s not to be lazy but must work the land. He said PRP has endorsed more than 10 candidates to contest the 2022 National General Elections. 

“Our resources are abundant, if we equally share the benefits our communities will see drastic changes,” said the PRP leader.

Donald expressed gratitude towards his people for their trust in his leadership in the past five years and urged voters to choose leaders who are able to deliver essential services.

“Vote for credible leaders who can do more for the people and better their life,” he said.

I spent the whole five years in Opposition bench, now I want to be in Government and emphasize more on Party policies,” he added. 

PRP Supporter at PRP rally in Western province

The incumbent North Fly MP also urged voters around the country to vote for the 12 PRP candidates endorsed by the Party. 

“I will push for reforms to ensure resource owners are not left out. The P’nyang Gas project provides that avenue to see people get maximum benefits in infrastructure, integral human development and greater financial autonomy, ” Donald said.

PRP held two major political rallies in Ningerum, Tabubil before ending it in the township of Kiunga.