Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission

The 2017 National Election is on. Governor General His Excellency Bob Dadae signed and issued the 111 election writs for 89 Open electorates and 22 Provincial electorates to signal the official commencement of the 2017 election program. Nominations also opened which saw a number of sitting MPs and new candidates nominating to contest the 2017 election.

The PNG Electoral Commission wishes to advise all intending candidates for the 2017 National Election that deposit slips to pay their nomination fees are now available nationwide for collection.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato says the people of Papua New Guinea should not be confused with the 2017 election ballot papers with candidate posters by election commentators. Candidate photographs are not placed on the ballot papers and are different from candidate posters.

The preliminary electoral roll for the 2017 National Election has been completed following the completion of data entry in all the 22 provinces last week. Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said that he is quite pleased with the tremendous effort put in by temporary electoral workers in updating the roll.

The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated a total of 133 Chinese made Foton vehicles to Papua New Guinea and PNG Electoral Commission to assist with transportation in the 2017 National Election. Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said that it was a very kind and generous donation from the people and Government of China.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato has clarified that the dates for the 2017 National Election approved by the Acting Governor General Theo Zurenuo in March 2016 have never been changed and remain. Mr. Gamato said that the dates for the 2017 National Election have never been changed and he has not released any new dates.