Call for govts to back LLG polls

CHIEF Secretary Isaac Lupari is calling on provincial governments to share their resources and manpower during the local level government elections.
The election process begins on April 25 with the issue of writs.
Lupari, pictured, the inter-government election committee chairman, advised them in a circular dated April 9 to assist the Electoral Commission in running the local level government elections.
He said “time and resources are against the PNGEC” and advised the provincial governments “to assist with certain services”.
Lupari said the provincial governments should provide logistics and transport, fuel, venues and facilities.
“All these services are to be provided free of charge,” he said.
Lupari said the commission was responsible for providing training and materials for voter enrolment, candidate nomination, polling and counting, recruitment of temporary election workers, allowances, ballot papers and polling materials.
Lupari said provincial election managers were ready to liaise with provincial administrators in finding a way for this.
Commission Media Officer Alphonse Muapi said only Central, Hela, Morobe, Madang, East Sepik, Southern Highlands, Manus, West New Britain and Northern had already agreed to help in the running of the elections.
Polling is from Thursday, May 9 to Wednesday May 22. Nomination is from April 25 to May 2.