Businesses want trouble-free polling period

THE business community wants to see a safe and efficient polling period for the General Election 2022 (GE22) with no disruption, according to the PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PNGCCI).
President Ian Tarutia said it was also important that the polling dates were followed and there were no changes.
Tarutia told The National that businesses would allow their staff to take time off to vote and have planned business continuity for this important occasion.
“If dates are changed this is disruptive,” he said.
“We want to avoid this.
“We want polling and actual voting by our people to be conducted safely and efficiently with minimal disruptions.
“We note the voters’ common roll is the 2017 list so obviously a large number of eligible voters (including those young citizens who turned 18 after 2017) will miss out on voting.
“It is important that scheduled dates are adhered to and there are no changes.”
Tarutia added that PNGCCI noted a number of unlawful activities between supporters of rival candidates had happened in some parts of the country.
“This behaviour is not condoned, it is irresponsible, we support calls by the Police Commissioner, Prime Minister, and Electoral Commissioner appealing for rule of law to prevail and respecting our democratic process to run its course without fear or favour as our citizens decide who our new leaders for the 11th Parliament will be.
“PNGCCI acknowledges a number of political parties are advocating a number of policies around social and economic improvement.
“Resources have been spent on disseminating information to our citizens.
“I think the quality of information this time, on policy platforms has improved.
“Statistics and data are being referenced which is useful for our citizens to make informed decisions next week onwards.”
Tarutia added that it was concerning that some candidates were contesting elections despite having active court cases against them while others were implicated in scandals.
He called on voters to exercise good judgment and choose the best candidates to represent them in Parliament.
“Attributes of integrity, good morals and ethics are important in leadership,” he said.