Writs see PNG elections get underway

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Writs for Papua New Guinea’s 2017 National Election were signed yesterday, kicking off the official period for the country’s five-yearly polls.

PNG’s Governor General, Bob Dadae signed and issued the writs at Government House in Port Moresby.

With this formality, the nomination period begins, as does the official campaign period, although many candidates have already been campaigning across the country.

The Electoral Commissioner Paulius Gamato says the nomination period is seven days, the campaign period is eight weeks, ending Thursday June 8, and the polling period is for 14 days, beginning Saturday June 24.

A two-week counting period was designated to start on July 9, although at the last general elections in 2012 counting was delayed while polling extended beyond its normal two-week period.

According to the Commissioner, the return of writs must be on or before Monday July 24.

- RNZI