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.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has sworn-in ten new Secretaries to head its government departments in the Bougainville Public Service.
This follows the Toroama-Nisira Government’s recruitment exercise for the senior positions in the Bougainville Administration that commenced with the departmental heads.
The Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee which carries out the selection process, is chaired by Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, completed its appointments in April following a grueling selection process.
Amongst the ten departmental heads sworn in today was Chief Secretary to the ABG Shadrach Himata who has been in an acting capacity for almost two years.
The Tumbawinlam Haus or Nimamar Council Chamber in Lihir was officially opened by incumbent New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan on Wednesday mid this week.
The event marks an end to a milestone achievement for the people of New Ireland and personally for Governor Sir Julius Chan who fulfilled his mission of establishing 10 Council Chambers across 10 LLG’s in a space of 12 months.
The bright orange colored Council Chamber is perched magnificently up on the Potzlaka Government station hill, making its presence known to all who travel into the Lihir Township.
Unlike the other Council Chambers the Tumbawinlam Haus was built in partnership with the Nimamar Council with counterpart funding of K1.2 million.
The name Tumbawinlam represents the six main clans on the Island.
First council sitting in the new building
The first Council sitting was chaired by President of Nimamar LLG, Stanely Tunut, with all 15 ward members present.
Sir J was invited to deliver his official address to the LLG Council.
“Today we witness a new birth and new dawn of Nimamar Council Chamber. The begining of a modern establishment of your local Government by the People, of the People and for the People. This chamber is not for show. It is a legacy project. It will remain beyond our time,” said Sir Julius.
Incumbent Governor, Sir Julius Chan standing infront of the new building with Ward members.
Sir Julius also urged Lihir mine developer Newcrest to give more back to the island communities. He reminded the executives that were present of the need for a ring road to be built around Lihir.
The next project I want to open when I return to Lihir is the ring road,” said Sir Julius.
“I’m not happy because the company is not a small company and it’s a big company. Every year I push for the same thing. If I get back into Government we will review the MOA and push for the ring road to be completed once and for all.
Festivities continued on into the late afternoon with food sharing and traditional song presentations.
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.
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.
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.
