The three armored vehicles that will be used for election security in the Highlands were shipped to Lae on PNGDF’s naval vessel, HMPNGS Lakekamu.
A team of 25 sailors, three navy divers, one intelligence officer and Commanding Officer of HMPNGS Lakekamu departed Port Moresby last Tuesday (21 June) and arrived in Lae on Saturday (June25)
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (Navy) Bryan Pohai and his men on their return journey, loaded two patrol boats in Lae and delivered at Popondetta to assist in election.
“The trip has been good. We have been getting enough support from Maritime Cell Block back in Port Moresby, National Maritime Surveillance Center and now we have established contact with the Joint Task Force Command in Lae, said Commanding Officer Pohai.
The armored vehicles handed over to RPNGC’s acting Officer in charge of Transport, Sergeant Manu Volu will be driven to Mt. Hagen and used to provide security during the polling and counting period.
HMPNGS Lakekamu will be patrolling the waters of Port Moresby through to Milne Bay and will be assisting with logistical support and security during the election.
A two day training for Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers is currently underway at Hotel Genesis in Kimbe.
Over 15 election officials for the three open seats are participating.
West New Britain Provincial Returning Officer Emily Kelton said the two day training is very important before polling commences on the 4th of July.
“These are sensitive areas to consider during elections. I believe we have experienced officers being appointed as Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers. The outcome of the election in the province will be determined if these officers conduct their duty according to election laws”, said PRO Kelton.
The first day of training focused on polling. Day two training will begin with polling and then counting. This will also include mock exercises on handling ballot boxes, recording of information and other election related businesses.
According to PRO Kelton, all election appointed officers must know their roles and responsibilities. She said issues always rise when officials including scrutineers avoid or tend to say or do wrong things.
Kelton also further stated that the ARO’s and RO’s will return to their constituents and conduct training for polling officials.
She said despite the limited time frame, election officials are geared towards conducting a fair and transparent election in West New Britain.
“I plan to also conduct another training for scrutineers and candidates next Monday. They too have to understand the integral process of election especially during polling and counting,” said Kelton.
The participants of the two day training were also warned by the Chairman of the Provincial Election Steering Committee Robert Dau.
Chairman Dau told the ROs and PROs to distant them from candidates and supporters.
“Do not engage yourself or show allegiance to any intending candidate or their supporters. You play a sensitive role in the election process and must conduct yourself in a transparent and honest matter. Be accountable for any word or action you take, “said Dau.
Dau highlighted the essence of better communication among AROs, PROs and AROs. He said there are no new laws of the election process. Dau said their experience in the past election must guide them to improve in this election.
Meanwhile PRO Emily Kelton said a few of the election materials for West New Britain have arrived and are kept under police surveillance. She hopes to receive additional materials next week.
“These include voting compartments, stationaries, plastic seals and ballot boxes. All these will be kept under joint security forces until polling when it will be unpacked and distributed to polling teams,” said PRO Kelton.
According to Kelton there are 116 polling teams for Talasea, Nakanai and Kandrian Gloucester.
Kelton expressed that generally there are no major issues being raised during nomination up to the campaign period.
She is confident her team are on schedule to conduct the next crucial part of the national election which is the polling and counting.
Social Democratic Party Leader, Powes Parkop, says Papua New Guinea has failed in all areas of development because of poor leadership.
Parkop says in his 15 years of experience in politics, PNG needs honest, smart, innovative and creative leaders who can enhance the potential the country has.
The party leader and incumbent Governor of NCD, Powes Parkop, told the people of ward ten, Karkar LLG, in Sumkar District of Madang, its time people vote leaders who have the potential to drive change.
Parkop said the actions of leaders depict their leadership qualities.
He added that while the past cannot be changed, people have the power to change the future and now is the time to make the change.
He is encouraging voters to vote their leaders wisely and not to gamble their votes away.
He further emphasized to the people of Karkar LLG that both men and women need to work together at all levels of the society in order to bring about positive change.
“We can discuss our party policies and platforms but if you don’t have the leadership quality to build from the potential we have, how can we create a platform or plan to create income and develop our country, “said Parkop.
The Social Democratic Party leader told the people of Karkar though his party is small and new, it is a party the people of Sumkar can trust based on its proven track record, adding that Social Democratic Party has delivered projects and made an impact, urging the people of Sumkar to vote wisely.
“Social Democratic Party believes it can contribute to the development of this country,” said Parkop.
Dr. Miok Kasek Komolong from Ken village on Karkark Island is one of the contesting candidates of Sumkar District who is running under Social Democratic Party.
Pangu Party Leader and Prime Minister, James Marape has thrown his utmost support behind incumbent Daulo MP, Pogio Ghate.
PM Marape said Pangu has gained trust and confidence in Ghate’s leadership therefore he was appointed as the Environment and Climate Change Minister.
“We want to work with MP Ghate and steer Daulo District and Papua New Guinea to a whole new level where small communities will access good roads, electricity, education and build a robust economy, said PM Marape.
The Prime Minister said Ghate is not wrong to join Pangu. He said he pulled out of the PNC led Government because of corrupt practices and bad decisions.
“I was with PNC for 8 years, a left because things were not done the right way according to our laws. After 57 days I was chosen as the Prime Minister, ” said Marape.
He said that is the reason why he has held hands with Pangu leaders until today.
“Let him carry on his leadership, a new Member of Parliament will not be part of the Pangu led Government. Ghate is your candidate and Pangu is your Party.
It is upon you the voters to either vote Ghate back into power or vote someone else to be your leader in the next 5 years”, said PM Marape.
Marape said Pangu is prepared to work with Pogio Ghate and raise the level of service delivery come the next term of Parliament.
“We will continue to fight for more resource sharing, better coffee price, improved roads and provide better access to health and education services for our children,” said PM Marape.
He said Pangu is confident to form the next Government and lead the country.
Meanwhile incumbent Daulo MP Pogio Ghate thanked the Pangu led Government to assist Daulo District build services in the past two years.
Ghate said PNG is changing because of the kind of leadership provided by mandated leaders.
“The Daulo District Development Authority has prioritized basic services to improve lives of people. Electricity and road are leading infrastructures being built and some projects are continuing into the election, said Ghate.
He said this shows that people are at the heart of the current Government. The Daulo MP said though DSIP funding is limited, the District has pulled all resources to serve communities.
“I want to see these changes continue. I want to see my visions and dreams achieved by extending the current level of service delivery into rural areas,” Ghate added.
Ghate maintained that it is critical for him to be part of Pangu. He said despite working for only two years, he has put significant effort to change the District.
“I carry the burden of more than seventy thousand people. If you vote me back, I will ensure development plans are delivered, ” said Ghate.
The incumbent Daulo MP was backed by Prime Minister James Marape and sitting Goroka MP Aiye Tambua last week Friday during a rally in Daulo.
This is the third visit to Daulo District by the Prime Minister.
MORESBY North-East intending candidate, Anton Polaiap says many residents in the electorate do not have a steady job and do not own a house.
Campaigning in front of the Foodland chain of stores in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby, he reiterated this among his talking points. He said if he is given the opportunity by the people, he will push for the implementation of providing employment opportunities and also give workers a sustainable home scheme.
“These are two important policies I am standing on to contest the Moresby North East Open Seat,” said Polaiap.
“I respect all the other intending candidates, you also have the right to choose by voting the candidate of your choice. People must know policies of each individual candidate”, said Polaiap.
He said he will not build new industries to provide employment but push for business reserves for indigenous people. Polaiap stressed that this is by law and is in the country’s constitution.
“None of you own a retail store your standing and selling things infront of, or do you? The constitution of this country speaks of this, you have the right to participate and own businesses under the reserved business list for Papua New Guinean’s, added Polaiap.
The North East candidate said the law is impartially implemented and this is a golden opportunity for people.
“When you vote for Box 73, you already know that my two priority policies of employment and sustain housing will be at work for you to benefit”, said Polaiap.
He said many are not aware of this law and continue to think that big businesses are for foreigners while they concentrate on selling staff like cigarette and other items on the streets of Port Moresby.
Polaiap said this must change and elevate the life of the people and give value to the country’s economy.
Speaking on his second policy, he said employment opportunity is scarce despite a huge number of intellectuals passing out with flying colors from higher learning institutions.
“Many of you are over qualified with degrees, certificates, double degrees even doctorate and masters. But you are not employed and roam the streets.
I will push for a policy that will change the working landscape. I believe many of our own people can handle jobs currently held by foreigners”, said Polaiap.
He said the PNG law remains fragile that is why employment is a real struggle in our towns and cities.
Polaiap questioned why Papua New Guinea continues to be categorized as a corrupt and unsafe place to work and live yet foreign nationals find it interesting to stay. He said because there are job opportunities available yet locals are not considered.
“2022 National General Election brings us the opportunity to change employment and housing benefits for us all. You will not make a mistake if you vote for Box 73, I will enter Parliament with these two agendas as key priority policies”, said Polaiap.
Anton Polaiap is an architect by profession. He is among the 76 candidates contesting the Moresby North East Open Seat.
Six of the candidates are women.
Polaiap also spoke highly of the women folk, stating that women have all the right to contest for public office.
Polaiap said these six women are contesting to provide an alternate leadership and equal respect must be given to them.
Election materials including ballot boxes have arrived in Kavieng, New Ireland Province.
Provincial Election Manager, Benjamin Kliawi said the materials will be kept under police protection until and before polling begins.
He said from there, the materials will be distributed to polling stations in communities.
The election materials include 52 ballot boxes, 3 electoral roll boxes and other accessories for the National General Election.
Kliawai also mentioned that a training for Assistant Returning Officers (AROs’) will be conducted before polling commences on the 4th of July 2022.
The New Ireland Election Manager also appealed to the Provincial Administration and District Administration to nominate ten public servants to be scrutineers for the 10 Regional Polling Stations.
“The counting scrutineers for the Kavieng and Namatanai Open are already confirmed,” said Kliawai.
The election materials were delivered by an Australian C130 aircraft.
New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat said the materials were loaded onto waiting vehicles, then were taken to the Kavieng Police Station under the watchful eyes of security personnel.
PPC Nebanat said police have been assigned to provide security shifts starting today.
Nebanat said police from the Special Service Division based in Tomaringa, East New Britain are also in the province to assist local police in guarding the container housing the election materials.
PPC Nebanat said the seals of the election materials will be opened when polling begins.
POLICE Commissioner, David Manning is sending a warning out to all candidates and supporters who are in possession of illegal firearms and are carrying it around during the 2022 National General Election.
Manning said police will be carrying out road checks and daily patrols around the country.
He said firearms have no place during election and those found in possession of any, will be charged under the amended Fire Arms Act of 2022.
“I can only advise all the candidates that firearms have no place during the election.
You have to seriously question the integrity and character of those candidates who are carrying around or are in possession of firearms.
It increases the level of threat or raises some sort of risk during this special period ,” said Manning.
The Police Commissioner said there are laws in the country and all must abide by them as citizens. He said RPNGC will not bow down to any intending candidate or a sitting MP.
“Police will not take it lightly and will enforce the law, if it either means sitting in jail awaiting bail during the election dates”, said Manning.
Manning made reference to a case of an intending candidate in Eastern Highlands whose supporters were stopped during a road block and found to be in possession of a high powered rifle.
He said police have completed the particular file report and the candidate and his supporters will be charged accordingly.
Meanwhile, the head of police force mentioned that police will be out in full strength to ensure the 2022 National General Elections is safe for all. Manning said despite special operations carried out by the force, all police personnel will be on duty to serve the public.
“Around five thousand police men and women will be engaged in the election exercise. Correctional Service and members of the PNG Defense Force are also collaborating with Police”, said Manning.
“Our aim is to ensure campaigns are conducted within laws and the voting population is provided a safe environment when casting their votes. Our operations will continue until the formation of the next Government, said Manning.
Everyone has the right to choose which leader they believe will represent them in Parliament and deliver services to their communities, said Manning.
TWELVE million ballot papers are now ready for distribution to the 22 provinces in PNG in preparation for polling on the 4th of July. Six million will be distribution for open seats while another six million will be distributed for the Provincial seats. The Election materials arrived from Australia on Saturday (June 18) afternoon.
PNG Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai visited the Air Transport Wing in Port Moresby on Saturday 18th June 2022 to witness the final packaging of all Election items for distribution. He thanked the Australian Government for assisting in the delivery of the election materials.
The first ballot papers left for Daru in Western province signifying the start of the ballot paper distribution. The operation is being supported by the Australian Defence Force in consultation with PNG’s joint security forces.
The Electoral Commissioner appealed for cooperation from all sectors in the country reiterating that the Commission is doing its best under trying circumstances to bring the elections to the people. He said there are 5.7 million registered voters according to the enrolments conducted in the electorates.
In a statement issued recently, Mr Sinai said polling will be conducted in 6396 wards covering 346 local level government council areas across the country.
Incumbent Kainantu MP, Johnson Tuke has condemned the recent violence in Kainantu.
Tuke said supporters of a rival candidate instigated the violence resulting in an exchange of stone throws and burning of two vehicles belonging to his campaign team.
In a news conference in Port Moresby, Tuke urged his supporters in Kainantu not to take any further action but allow police investigation to take its course.
“I condemn the action of my rival and his supporters, but I will not allow retaliation. I am a leader and I will allow the rule of law to take course, ” said Tuke.
According to Tuke he has laid a complaint with the police. He said further violence will disrupt services in Kainantu and disturb the travelling public using the Highlands Highway.
“I do not wish for the PNG Electoral Commission to declare a fail election for Kainantu. Opting to violence is not the solution, grievances must be challenged through the ballot box during polling.
I was given the mandate by the Kainantu people for two terms, now I am defending the Open Seat. It’s only the people who will decide and not through violence,” Tuke said.
Mr Tuke urged all candidates contesting the Kainantu Open Seat to work together and also control their supporters when moving around during campaign.
The violence in Kainantu Town last week saw schools and other businesses close their doors including the temporary closure of the Okuk Highway.
Mr Tuke also apologized to those who got injured during the violence including vehicle owners.
According to Mr Tuke nearly 50 of his supporters are nursing their injuries at his Goroka home while some are admitted at the Goroka General Hospital.
Meanwhile additional police have been dispatched to Kainantu to restore order and normalcy.
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama says the 2022 Papua New Guinea National General Election will be the final election that Bougainville will take part in as the Island Region prepares for the final political settlement (not before 2025 and no later than 2027) in the quest for political independence.
President Toroama said the 2022 National Election is very crucial for the future of Bougainville as people elect their representatives in the 11th National Parliament.
“These leaders will determine our future based on their loyalty to Bougainville and commitment to serving our wish for independence that was expressed in 2019 Bougainville Referendum,” said Toroama.
The AROB President urged every Bougainvillean to look beyond campaign promises of monetary gain and delusions of grandeur that is evident during any election.
“We must vote for a person who will represent Bougainville and be the voice of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in Parliament.
President Toroama urged the voting population to vote for a leader who will not compromise the political resolve for Bougainville and one who is not afraid to stand within the halls of the National Parliament and fight for Bougainville’s Independence as a sovereign nation,” added President Toroama.
Toroama said AROB need leaders who will not succumb to the pressures of party politics and comprise. The President said AROB needs leaders who can proudly say the word Independence without looking over their shoulder.
“We must honor the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the memory of the twenty thousand lives lost during the Bougainville Civil War by electing leaders who will work with the ABG and truly drive forward the aspirations of our people,” said Toroama.
The AROB President also reminded people to maintain civility during the election period and to respect the electoral process as campaign is underway while polling and counting nears.
Toroama concluded by wishing all the candidates the best in their campaigning.
