Nominations in the new Hiri-Koiari Open Seat have progressed well in the Central Province.

Out of the 27 nominated candidates the lone female endorsed by Pangu Party is Samoa Hoi Rage who hails from Tubusereia village.

Rage was flanked by her supporters during her nomination earlier today(Tuesday 24th of May 2022).

According to Electoral Staff, 23 independent candidates are contesting for the newly created electorate while four are endorsed by political parties.

They include Steven John (United Resource Party), Keith Iduhu (New Generation Party), Gabriel Nicholas (PNG National Party) and Samoa Hoi Rage (Pangu).

Meanwhile a young philanthropist from Koiari has raised his hand to contest the Hiri open seat with determination.

Thirty-year-old Willie Kaeaka said Koiari-Hiri people have been neglected for too long.

‘’In the last 46 years, we only had politicians but not leaders. Leaders are supposed to represent us and address our issues,’’ said Kaeaka.

“We have the Kokoda Track, Sirinumu dam, the Rouna power installation plant, the Mt Eriama water treatment plant all located in Koiari land and the Papa Lealea gas refinery plant down at the Hiri-West as well as other major government institutions. Yet we were overlooked and it is about time to redirect government intervention plans for the people,’’ he added.

The young candidate said consecutive governments have failed to recognize the people of Hiri and Koiari with the resources they owned on their land.

‘’The time now is for us all candidates contesting for the seat to have a way forward, plan and not work in isolation for the good cause of the people,’’ he said.

He thanked the Marape led Government in supporting the former Kairuku Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo in his plea for the split of the electorate.

Kaeaka holds a double degree in accounting and business management from Pacific Adventist University (PAU).

He urged all the candidates to work together and bring home a suitable winner to lead the new electorate.

Meanwhile in the Central Regional seat, 18 candidates have nominated so far as of 3pm yesterday afternoon.

Among them is Rufina Peter who is endorsed by People’s National Congress Party (PNC).

Incumbent Central Governor, Robert Agarobe (Pangu), and former Central Province Administrator Gei Raga ( The Peoples Party) have also nominated for the top seat.

More than three (3) thousand eligible voters from four respective LLG’s in Kabwum District of Morobe Province flocked into Kabwum District Headquarters in Selepet LLG to witness their current seating MP, Patrick Basa nominate.

MP Basa dressed up in traditional Yus attire symbolising the Yus people of Yus LLG.

Basa nominated at 4:10pm on Thursday afternoon as instructed by the Governor General for the nominations to open at 4:06 at the Kabwum District Headquarters.

Basa is anticipating a return after this election and is looking forward to the continuation of funding the road projects initiated by his DDA during his term in parliament.

One of his campaign messages in 2017 was a commitment to build roads to link all LLG Headquarters to the District Headquarter in Selepet LLG of Kabwum District.

His dedication to that road project within the last five years has seen almost 90% of it completed.

Basa resonates with the policies of the People’s National Congress Party (PNC) to provide free education, free health care and economical empowerment through the SME structure and building infrastructural development of Papua New Guinea and is confident that PNC Party will form the next Government with Peter O’ Neil as the next Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

Basa who was the only winning candidate for the Christian Democratic Party in the 2017 National General Elections went on straight to join the PNC Party’s Alotau camp, despite emerging from the Pangu Dominated Province of Morobe.

Meanwhile Kabwum District Returning Officer Keteng Ondop has acknowledged Basa’s nomination for the 2022 National General Election on behalf of the Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai.

Apart from Basa’s nomination, two other candidates are contesting for the same seat challenging the incumbent, they are Mr. Norio Kendip and Mr. Wagau Openg.

A number of children and adults living at Mangem Care Centre in Sumkar District of Madang are experiencing severe stomach aches and vomiting after eating dead fish and other dead marine species.

Yabu LLG President, Kenny Boli, says children especially had developed cough and are vomiting yellow liquids.

Boli explained that most of the children have been sick since last Thursday but the community had noticed it on Monday.

The LLG President added that they had report the matter to the Deputy Director Public Health, Makus Kachau on Tuesday; and a text message was sent to the Madang Provincial Disaster Director, Ruduolf Mongalle.

The community is appealing to the provincial health authority, the disaster office including the Madang provincial government to assist the community.

This issue has once again brought to light the issues affecting the internally displaced islanders living in the care centres not only at Mangem but also at Asuramba and Potsdam.

As the population continues to grow, resources available on the care centres are becoming scarce.

The displaced islanders have been living in the care centre since the volcano eruption on Manam island between late 2004 to early 2005, which resulted in the evacuation of more than 5000 men, women and children.

It’s been 17 years and life on the care centres has become a constant struggle for them.

Gatheirng food and water is a constant struggle for the displaced islanders. Even the temporary makeshifts that were built are now falling off with cracks on the walls.

These temporary makeshifts are now accommodating two or three families as there were no resources available for the displaced islanders to build new structures.

As another election period begins in PNG the Internally displaced islanders are still waiting on the government to resettle them.

People Congress Party (PNC) is throwing its support behind an independent candidate and first time contender, Peter Nupiri is gunning for the Southern Highlands Regional Seat.

PNC Leader and former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill backed Nupiri during a rally in Mendi Town on Wednesday (May 25) clarifying PNC’s reasons for supporting Nupiri in the 2022 National General Election.

Nupiri, O’Neill and other PNC candidates walked the streets of Mendi as supporters rallied behind them to Momei Oval, where over a thousand people gathered to witness a first rally by PNC as nomination nears its completion.

“I have realized that the Provincial Government has lost the plot to serve the people.

“There is evident of mismanagement of finance, including resources. There is no order and stability in the Provincial Administration,” said Nupiri.

The former PNG Power Board Chairman said he wants to rescue and restore the Province by focusing on five key areas. He announced his policies and visions with the theme: “Operation Rescue Muruk”.

The five key areas include restoration of the Public Service Administration, better access to education and healthcare, build modern Infrastructures, improve law and order and provide economic growth for all.

“These are five key areas in my Master Plan to contest and make real changes for our people. That is why I am raising my hand to intervene and lead Province and provide better leadership, Nupiri added.

Peter Nupiri, 45, hails from Olea Village, Karinz LLG in the Mendi Munhiu District. He is a Civil Engineer with 20 years’ of experience and boasts a Masters in Business Administration. Nupiri’s recent role in public office was Chairman of PNG Power Board.

At the rally, PNC leader, Peter O’Neill told those who gathered at Momei Oval, a vote for Nupiri is not just a vote for PNC but to see Change in leadership and better governance. O’Neill urged the people to vote for a Party that relates to the Province.

“Vote for Peter Nupiri, vote for Philemon Embel and vote for Ps Kaku. Pangu is not a home-grown Party. Pangu belongs to Morobeans, it belongs to other leaders. Vote your own leaders because PNC is ready to work with leaders with better policies and bring not just Southern Highlands forward but Papua New Guinea as a whole, said O’Neill.

The former Prime Minister concluded stating PNC is endorsing candidates across the country and is gearing up to form the next Government.

A longtime resident in Port Moresby’s 9mile area is contesting the Moresby North East seat for the fourth time around.

Tom Pis Kapo, who is a mixed parentage of Hela and Southern Highlands has lived in the city for more than 35-years. He said his intention to contest the 2022 National General Election is because many youths and communities have missed out as development partners.

“I don’t need money, car or other assets to win peoples heart, I will walk and campaign for a better Moresby North East. Kapo said his policy is simple. He said his goal is to serve the people and improve living conditions.

“Striving for Peace and Better Living, modernizing Moresby North-East for a better place to live and Giving hope to the Hopeless. Within these three policies many programs can be implemented to serve people”, said Kapo.

Kapo is running as an independent candidate. He has been engaging youths in the 9mile area by running community service projects.

“My community programs have touched and impacted lives in this part of the City. I have contributed a lot and people believe I must contest in the 11th Parliament House,” said Kapo.

Tom Pis Kapo has been in the frontline in addressing most ethnic clashes in the Moresby North East area. He said he will not campaign against others, but will educate voters to wisely elect someone for tangible development in the electorate.

The Grassroots candidate said if people want better living, they should elect a God fearing leader who is honest and will serve people. Kapo believes he has a growing support from different communities in the North East electorate.

“I deal with mostly youths and settlers in the City. I walk and talk with the small people, see their struggles and hear their cries, said Kapo.

“I appeal to all citizens to vote wisely their 3 possible candidates and not seasonal leaders,” said Kapo.

Kapo also contested in the 2007, 2012 and 2017 National General Elections.

Lae’s Metropolitan Chief Superintendent, Chris Kunyanban said Lae police are prepared for this year’s National General Election in terms of quality Intelligence.

Kunyanban said they will be present in Morobe’s nine Districts and in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province to maintain peace and order during this election period, including Polling.

Kunyanban called on members of the general public to work closely with the Police.

He said Police Officers rely on the cooperation of members of the community to provide information about crime in their neighborhoods and to work with the Police to devise solutions to crime and other law and order problems.

“I call on the members of the community to come forward and assist us with more information on Election related issues during this time,” said the Lae Metsup.

Chief Superintendent Kunyanban said there’s a lot of crime and disorder happening in the communities, but people are not assisting the police in reporting the matter. He further stated that strong relationships of mutual trust between police and the community they serve are critical to maintaining public safety and effective policing in both the rural and urban areas.

He said the community members, especially in and around Lae can call the Police toll free number, or they can pass information directly to the Police Officers residing in their communities or they can also send him a message or WhatsApp him as their last resort if they have information about crime and disorder during this election period.

Kunyanban called on the general public to behave properly during the election and to vote wisely during this election.

A new partnership with Nasfund and Remington Group will see Nasfund Members get discounts at Remington Group’s three Business Units in Papua New Guinea.

Under the Membership Discount Program, Nasfund Members can access the following discounts.

– 12.5 % discount on all Konica Minolta small office and home devises from Remington Technology Nationwide.

– 15% discount on all FujiFilm small office and home devises from FX Business Centre and;

– 10% discount on printing banners, business cards, photos and Corflute from BitzPrint and Scan.

The discount program is available immediately for the next 12 months.

Remington Group CEO, Peter Goodwin said the partnership seeks to provide more value for Nasfund Members.

“We are pleased to offer these discounts exclusively to Nasfund Members through our three business units.

Nasfund Members are required to show their Nasfund Membership cards to benefit from these discounts” said Mr. Goodwin.

Nasfund CEO, Ian Tarutia welcomed Remington Group as its latest discount service provider to Nasfund Members.

“We thank Remington Group for coming on board Nasfund’s Fund MDP to provide discount for our contributors.

Mr Tarutia said this offer certainly provides more value for Nasfund customers especially during these challenging times.

He added that Nasfund members should take advantage of this partnership and save more while they are at work today.

Business houses, schools, and the main market in Madang town were closed today after a woman vendor was beheaded this morning at the town market.

The convenient store at the main service station took on some damage as opportunists hurled stones following this morning’s incident.

Local Police are now monitoring the area and have begun investigations into the incident.

According to information gathered by InsidePNG, the woman was beheaded following an earlier incident that had nothing to do with her.

The innocent vendor was going about her normal business when she fell victim to such a heinous crime.

Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent, Rubiang Manzuc, says police have apprehended six suspects involved in the incident who are now in custody.

He says the situation remains tense but is under control as police maintain its presence in the area.

The provincial police commander is calling on the general public to remain calm and let police do their job.

He says police presence in the Madang town vicinity will be maintained.

He added that the incident will not affect the nomination and police presence will continue until the end of the nomination period.

InsidePNG will bring more updates as more information becomes available.

CANDIDATES and supporters all gathered at Daulo District Headquarters, in Eastern Highlands Province to witness their candidates nominate.

The first day of nomination on Thursday was peaceful with supporters dressed in traditional attire to show their support to their respective candidates.

Returning officer for Daulo, John Kopi opened the nominations at 9.00am on Friday.

Homate Gimiseve from Mando village, lower Asaro was the first Candidate to nominate, when nominations opened at 9.00 am.

The incumbent and Minister for Environment, conservation and Climate change, Pogio Ghate also nominated, including other candidates.

A total of 28 candidates nominated on Thursday, while over 30 candidates nominated on Friday.

The Daulo MP after his nomination thanked the people of Daulo for the mandate they have given him.

“I thank the people of Daulo for the mandate they have given me in the last five years.” Ghate said.

“I’m going into the election with a clean heart, and I wish the people of Daulo the best in this election.”

He added that the people of Daulo must be aware of candidate criteria of the electoral Commission and must chose wisely when casting there votes.

Returning Officer John Kopi said as the returning officer he will be based at the District head quarters.

“Should there be any queries,  candidates must come as a team, so we address the issues in broad daylight.” the returning officer said.

“After five years the power has come back to us, and we must make it our business.”