Biometric election system set to roll

THE Electoral Commission is ready to conduct biometric registration and voting for the 2022 national election in the National Capital District, says acting Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai.
“We will start in the NCD.
“We only need K5 million from the NCD Commission to conduct biometric registration, photo roll and voting for the North-West, North-East, Moresby South seats and the governor’s seat,” he said.
“It can be done because city manager Bernard Kipit has already funded the photo roll project at Keasu settlement in Gerehu,” Sinai said.
He said they had also ran biometric voting in the Kupiano ward by-election in Abau, Central.
“I think the Government is supporting it.
“We are coming to the provinces for their support,” he said.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the NCDC and Electoral Commission for City Hall to support the conduct of the Moresby North-West by-election.
“We just need the money. And if the NCDC gives the K5 million, we will start in the NCD.”
Meanwhile, Sinai said they were still awaiting legal clearances before deciding to run the Kerema by-election left vacant by the late Kerema MP Richard Mendani.
“We are checking the law as by-elections cannot be held 12 months before the national election.
“By July 24, we are not supposed to hold any by-election before the 2022 national election.”