Aussies help with election

 TWO Australlians will help with the  local level government elections.

They are working under the direction of the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) to support logistics and distribution of more than 24 tonnes of material throughout the country.

Head of Australian Aid in PNG Stuart Schaefer said the officials would help PNGEC staff with the significant challenges of transporting election material.

“The specialists deployed through the Australian Civilian Corps are experts in logistics and procurement and their support will assist the delivery of ballot papers, ballot boxes and other election material to the  districts,” Schaefer said.

The Australian Civilian Corps comprise highly skilled specialists, chosen for their experience in development contexts and challenging environments and their ability to deploy quickly.

Australia is also providing about K8 million to support the election.

In the lead-up to voting, Australia’s assistance included support for the assistant election managers, civic awareness and for disability-friendly enrolment and polling locations. 

“So far Australia has helped 300 people with disability enrol to vote in the LLG elections.

“These people may otherwise have missed out on an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote,” Schaefer said. 

Australia has worked with the Office for the Development of Women to develop a campaign handbook – a Guide for Women Candidates in the 2013 LLG Elections. 

The handbook includes practical information to help potential candidates understand the role of LLG councillors and presidents, election laws, strategy and campaigning.