By-election funds paid

 By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK

PNG Electoral Commissioner Sir Andrew Trawen thanked the Government for releasing the balance of the K9.6 million to conduct the West Sepik regional and Goilala open by-elections.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the Treasury Department for the release of the remaining by-election funds yesterday afternoon,” Trawen said.

Sir Andrew said that Treasury had released only K5m – K2.5m for West Sepik and K2.5m for Goilala.  “The total budget for the two by-elections is K14.6m – WSP K10.6m and Goilala K4m.”

He said that preparations were progressing and were on target for polling.

 “Polling will commence concurrently for both electorates on Saturday and will run for two weeks, ending on July 24.”

Sir Andrew said that West Sepik training of poll workers had completed for the Telefomin and Nuku Open electorates, while Aitape-Lumi and Vanimo Green River Open electorates would be completed today, with polling teams to start tomorrow.

He said a total of 397 policemen and women would be deployed to provide security for polling teams, while district headquarters were to provide security during the polling period.

Sir Andrew said a military aircraft would be used to transport polling teams and security personnel in the remote Telefomin district.

“On polling allowances, I want to assure all polling officials and security personnel that your allowances would be ready before you are inserted to your first polling places on Friday and I appeal to you to remain focused on your respective duties,” he said. 

A total of 17 candidates are contesting the West Sepik seat left vacant after the Court of Disputed Returns nullified the 2012 election win of Governor Amkat Mai.