Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission

International and regional observers of the 2017 national general election will be in the country early in February to do scoping for their election observations when polling begins on June 24. Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato this week signed off the invitations to four election observer groups to assemble their respective teams to observe PNG’s ninth national parliament general election.

Intending candidates for the 2017 national general election have been given an extension of one month to come forward and submit their bio-data by filling the candidate bio data form or Form 29. Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato made the decision this week to give intending candidates and political parties until February 28.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato has clearly outlined what he expects from his staff in the next three months prior to the issue of writs for the 2017 elections. He strongly urged staff from both the headquarters in Port Moresby and in the provinces to be more vigilant in performing their duties to deliver a good election to the people of PNG.

The proposed revised date for the issue of writs from April 20 to May 20 is legal and within the five year anniversary of this term of Parliament. A total of seven legislative amendments to election laws will go before Parliament on the January 24 sitting of the House. The proposed reduction of the campaign period from eight weeks to four weeks has a direct impact on the 2017 election program.

Serving Local-level Government members are allowed to contest national elections including the 2017 elections. Section 30 of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments gives them the green light to contest or hold other public leadership responsibilities. Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato ​said the Organic Law does not prevent the LLG members from contesting the 2017 national elections.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato has written to the national government requesting for the engagement of international election observer Missions to observe the conduct of 2017 national elections. He made the official request in a letter dated December 9, 2016 to the Prime Minister Peter O'Neil who is also the Minister responsible for the Electoral Commission.