2821 want to contest

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A TOTAL of 2821 candidates have signed the official form to contest the 111 seats in the 2017 national election – including 13 vying for Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s Ialibu-Pangia seat.
PNG Electoral Commission media officer Alphones Muapi said the 2821 had filled and signed Form 29 which had all their personal details.
But he said the exact number of candidates contesting each of the 111 seats would be finalised when nominations closed on April 27.
In 2012, 3435 candidates contested.
It is expected that the number this year may be much less if the nomination fee is increased to K10,000 from K1000.
Parliament is expected to decide on the fees when it sits next week.
Muapi confirmed that 12 people would be challenging O’Neill for the Ialibu-Pangia seat in Southern Highlands. In 2012, eight, including O’Neill, vied for the seat.
There are 32 vying for the Southern Highlands Regional seat, 29 for Imbonggu, 49 for Kagua-Erave, 17 for Mendi and 25 for  Nipa-Kutubu.
There is also a notable interest in seats in Western and Gulf, with 53 contesting the Western Regional seat, 44 in Middle Fly, 68 in North Fly, and 58 in South Fly.
In Gulf, 54 are interested in the Regional seat, 67 in Kerema and 57 in Kikori.
Meanwhile 29 candidates have expressed interest to contest the Manus Regional seat and 32 for Manus Open.
In the National Capital District, 47 are vying for Governor Powes Parkop’s seat, North East 61, North West 44 and South 18.
There are six vying for the Bougainville Regional seat, 18 for Central Bougainville, 28 North Bougainville and 12 for South Bougainville. In New Ireland, there are 16 for the Regional seat, nine for Namatanai and 23 for Kavieng.
In West New Britain, 12 are vying for the Regional seat, 30 for Talasea and 19 for Kandrian/Gloucester 19.
In East New Britain, Regional has 15, Gazelle 16, Kokopo 23, Pomio 11 and Rabaul 8. In Hela, Regional 37, Komo-Margarima 45, Tari-Pori 16 and Koroba-Lake Kopiago 36. In Milne Bay, 26 are vying for the Regional seat, 16 in Esa’ala, 31 in Kiriwina-Goodenough, 20 in Alotau 20 and 23 in Samarai-Murua.
The Central Regional seat has 33, Abau 24, Goilala 42, Rigo 36 and Kairuku-Hiri 28. Northern Regional seat has 39 candidates, Ijivitari 26 and Sohe 46.
Madang Regional seat has 28, Bogia 11, Madang Open 11, Middle Ramu 14, Rai Coast 7, Sumkar 14 and Usino-Bundi 13.
West Sepik Regional seat has 31 candidates, Aitape-Lumi 18, Nuku 13, Telefomin 17 and Vanimo-Green 20.
In East Sepik, 27 are contesting the Governor’s seat held since Independence by Sir Michael Somare, 16 for Ambunti/Drekikir, 32 for Angoram, 21 for Maprik, 36 in Wewak, 29 in Wosera-Gawi  and 19 in Yangoru-Saussia.
In Morobe, 15 want Governor Kelly Naru’s seat, Bulolo 21, Finschhafen 43, Huon Gulf 25, Kabwum 23, Lae 49, Markham 24, Menyamya/Aseki 25, Nawaeb 40 and Tewai-Siassi 39.
Enga Regional seat has 28, Kandep 25, Kompiam/Ambum 36, Porgera/Lagaip 46, Wabag 25 and Wapenamanda 29.
Eastern Highlands Regional 24, Daulo 22, Goroka 15, Henganofi 14 , Kainantu 18, Lufa 17, Obura-Waninara 7, Okapa 30 and Unggai-Bena 9.
Jiwaka Regional has 37, Anglimp South Waghi 15, Jimi 22, North Waghi 22.
Western Highlands Regional has 25 candidates, Dei 32, Hagen 22, Mul-Baiyer 29 and Tambul/Nebilyer 24.