Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission

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.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato has clarified the confusion surrounding the total number of writs that will be issued for the 2017 National Election, which the Governor General will sign on April 20, 2017 to signal the official commencement of the election program. He clarified that the Governor General will issue a total of 111 election writs and not 666 writs.

First level training for all Election Managers and Returning Officers for the 2017 National General Election commenced this week in different venues in the four regions. Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said that this training is to prepare them to accept nominations from intending candidates when the 2017 election writs are issued April 20.

The PNG Electoral Commission today (Wednesday, March 29, 2017) launched its voter awareness and education materials for the 2017 National Election which included 14 new graphic products which include posters, flyers and booklets that will be distributed to all the 22 provinces, posters, electoral song and video clip. Chief Secretary to Government Ambassador Isaac Lupari officially launched the awareness materials.

Police in Eastern Highlands have launched their pre-election awareness campaign to target every community in the eight districts of the province. Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Alex N'Drasal launched the awareness campaign in Goroka last week. N'Drasal said it was very important that the police conveyed messages to ensure a free, fair and transparent election.