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.
It is difficult to separate Sir Peter Barter from tourism, PNG Politics, and Madang, amongst many other things. As tributes flooded social media after Papua New Guinean’s learned of his passing, many referred to Late Sir Peter Barter as the ‘Lighthouse’.
Many wrote about the nature of his character – a humble giant of a man whose contributions to Papua New Guinea stretched beyond the confines of the province he made home.
A young Peter Leslie Charles Barter came to Papua New Guinea in the late 1950’s as a volunteer pilot with the Franciscan Mission in Aitape. This was his first job after completing his pilot training at the Newington College from 1952 to 1955.
He moved on to becoming a commercial pilot with Territory Airlines, which later became TALAIR. While working with the airline, he established Talco – the company’s tourist division.
His passion for PNG tourism even before independence was evident. Sir Peter made a mark by attracting major international tour operators, who brought their clients to Papua New Guinea. This was the birth of PNG’s tourism industry.
Just after independence started the Melanesian Tourist Services PTY LTD by purchasing Talco’s assets and later on acquired the old Hotel Madang which developed over 40 years – now known as the Madang Resort.
His contributions to the tourism industry, through the MTS were immense. Over the years, countless number of tourists visited the country to experience PNG aboard the Melanesian Discover and the Kalibobo Express.
In the 1980’s he established the Melanesian foundation, which created an avenue for passengers to donate funds to various projects in the rural villages they visited. These funds were used to build rural clinics, school desks, and the maintenance of Catholic and Lutheran church run health centers.
His support for the industry extended to the Divine Word University, where he contributed towards the development of the Tourism program. Many of the students gained practical experience through Sir Peter’s assistance.
Sir Peter Barter seated next to Dame Carol Kidu in Parliament House
Sir Peter moved into the political limelight in 1992 when he was elected as the regional member for Madang. He started off in the opposition and was later appointed Health Minister.
After the reform in 1995, he took up the Madang Governor’s post and was later asked by then Prime Minister Julius Chan, to take up the Provincial Affairs and Local Level Ministry.
He returned to doing business in 1997, and was re-elected into parliament in 2002 as the Madang Governor. Sir Peter, who by now had been knighted, was appointed Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs.
As the Bougainville Affairs Minister, he was faced with the mammoth task of building trust and relationships between the government, as well as the ex-combatants who were in different factions of the civil war, and overall to bring peace and secure resources to provide essential services to the island.
In a condolence message given by the Autonomous Region of Bougainville’s President Ishmael Toroama, he described Sir Peter as a peacemaker who helped secure peace on the island during the most riotous years in the 1990’s.
“He contributed tirelessly to the peace process and played a leading role in laying the very first foundations of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. Prior to the formation of the ABG on June 15, 2005 he was in Bougainville to assist with the elections and to ensure there was a smooth transition to autonomy.”
Even after retiring from politics, Sir Peter kept a close watch on Bougainville’s progress and maintained relations with the former President Dr John Momis and Bougainville leaders.
In 2002, while ushering peace on Bougainville, problems were brewing in the Southern Highlands. As the Inter-government Relations Minister, Sir Peter had to deal failed elections in the province.
There was an inflation of electoral rolls, controlled voting, and counting of votes by force or threat was seen in much of the province during the general election. As a result, no provincial governor was elected and Sir Peter was given overall authority of the Southern Highlands Province.
His task was to coordinate with the Electoral Commission, the provincial administration, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to prepare and run supplementary elections.
With an interim administration, Sir Peter rallied support from key community groups which led to the successful disarmament process in the province.
In a piece published by the Masalai Blog in 2014, Sir Peter Barter reflected on these events saying, his responsibilities involved rebuilding trust, which is basic to peace, democracy, and good governance.
In his term in parliament, he also Acted as the Minister for Finance, as well as the Acting Governor General at one point.
Sir Peter was a close acquaintance of the Late Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare – a friendship forged over 50 years long before Sir Peter entered politics.
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.
Member for Taunita Tinputz Hon. Morris Opeti has been sworn in as the Minister for Community Development in the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Mr Opeti was sworn in today by Magistrate Michael Pepi at the Bougainville Administration Complex and was witnessed by Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama as well as several members of his cabinet and the ABG Chief Secretary Shadrach Himata.
Mr Opeti thanked his predecessor Thompson Gitovea for his services to the Ministry and Department of Community Development and vowed to continue to continue working to progress the department.
Opeti signing documents
President Toroama said that in any government, change will always be required to foster solidarity, stability and maintaining the integrity of the government.
“As Bougainville prepares for its independence, my government, moreover the Bougainville Executive Council is not immune from change that must be instituted to strengthen our position for Bougainville to become an independent nation,” President Toroama said.
“At a time when Bougainville is concentrating on nation building we must also focus on building our human capacity through integral human development programs and improving the social welfare of our people,” Toroama added.
The ABG President said Bougainville can achieve this through its social institutions in music, sports and religion. The activities from these institutions will encourage our people to become more responsible members of society who can contribute meaningfully to our communities.
He told Mr Opeti that the focus of the department should be on the ABG’s Independence Readiness initiative.
This would require the department to completion of Drawdown of remaining 290 Powers and Functions of Civil Registry and Lukautim Pikinini Act (Family Protection Act)
Progression and completion of Community Development sectoral policies and possible legislations (public/private partnership policy, youth policy, gender policy, sports policy, arts and culture policy and family and protection legislation and policy).
For the ABG there has to be a committed political will to drive these outstanding priorities and have them implemented and completed.
“We must now look at creating policies and legislations to empower the Department of Community Development,” President Toroama said.
Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has accepted an invitation to attend the Pacific Test that will be played in Campbell town, New South Wales, Australia.
PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina visited the Governor General yesterday and presented the official invitation at the Government House.
The Governor General will watch the match between PNG Kumuls captained by David Mead (Brisbane Broncons) and Fiji Batis.
The match between Kumuls and Batis will be played this Saturday, 25th June 2022 after the game between Samoa and Cook Island.
The Kumuls Team includes Melbourne Storm’s Justin Olam, Sydney Rooster’s Lachlan Lam and over 10 players from SP Hunters.
The Governor General has also accepted an invite to attend the match between PNG Kumuls and Fiji Batis in the World Cup in October.
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.
The signing ceremony for the 2022 Joint Annual Work Plan (JAWP) for the United Nations (UN) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was held yesterday in Port Moresby.
The signing took place between Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator and Koney Samuel, Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring on behalf of the Government of PNG.
Secretary Samuel acknowledged the UN as one of PNG’s important development partners and conveyed the Government’s gratitude to the UN System for its commitment to country throughout the years since Independence.
“Our partnership with the UN has been very strong and we are happy with the progress made on a number of programmes, especially the ones critical to government. These include the post-referendum economic development project in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Joint Programme in Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces,” Mr Samuel said.
Mr Wagener said the UN System and its agencies were delivering their programs across a wide range of different interventions and sectors covering the whole country.
Mr Wagener mentioned highlights of 2021 including the Spotlight Initiative and capacity building of the National GBV Secretariat in NCD; STREIT project in East Sepik Province; the Bougainville post-referendum economic development project and the joint peace programme in Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces.
“For 2022 now, we are planning to deliver more than $130 million worth of projects in-country and it is evidence of a very strong collaboration between us and the Government of Papua New Guinea and also with our development partners. We want to work and we want to deliver results where they matter the most”, Mr Wagener said.
Mr Wagener said the lead theme of the UN System in the country was “leave no one behind” with the aspiration to make a difference in PNG for the people of PNG.
