Campaigning ends Friday

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THE last day of campaigning for the General Election 2022 (GE22) is Friday, July 1, says Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai.
He also confirmed yesterday that polling would begin on Monday, July 4.
Sinai warned the 3,625 candidates contesting the 118 seats around the country to complete all campaigns on Friday.
He advised them to respect the rules by stopping rallies and removing hailers and speakers mounted on vehicles after Friday.
“Our people understand what the election is all about.
“They know who they want to vote for and have already decided on their preferences,” he said.
He thanked the candidates, people and supporters for a relatively peaceful campaign period.
“Unlike past elections, we have seen a generally peaceful election campaign this year, although there were some minor disturbances and disruptions in some parts of the country,” Sinai said.
Sinai said new Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system had helped in reducing violent clashes between candidates as they needed to cooperate and support each other.
In addition, he said polling stations would have two queues set up – one for men and the other for women.
“The gender split in both the voter roll and the polling booths is done purely to protect the rights of female voters to ensure they can cast their votes without intimidation and undue influence.”


Late MP Nangoi to lie in state

MEMBERS of Parliament who are in Port Moresby are expected to pay their last respects to their late colleague, Sumkar MP Chris Nangoi, when his body lies in state in Parliament today.
Prime Minister James Marape confirmed yesterday that some MPs were away in their electorates.
“Leaders who are present in Port Moresby will attend to show respect on behalf of the rest of the (MPs) who are out in their electorates (campaigning),” he said.
Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa said details of today’s programme had been sent out to all MPs.
The hearse will arrive at 9.50am from Independence Boulevard to the front entrance of Parliament.
Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan will lead the pallbearers into the Grand Hall.
After the paying of respects, the hearse will depart at noon for the family residence at Kennedy Estate.
The body will be flown on Wednesday to Madang.
Parliament officials will accompany the body to his home in Karkar Island where he will be laid to rest.
Nangoi was born on Aug 18, 1979 on Karkar Island.
He was first elected into Parliament in 2017.
He served as Minister for Correctional Service from June 7, 2019 to Nov 16, 2020.
Meanwhile, Marape said the Government would also be represented at the funeral service of the late Sir Peter Barter.


Be wary of sweet words, O’Neill warns voters
Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill (middle), being escorted by a crowd of supporters on his way to speak in support of the four People’s National Congress party-endorsed candidates at a rally in Popondetta yesterday. – Picture supplied

IALIBU-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill has warned voters in Northern to be wary of “sweet words” and wantok influence, when casting their votes.
“Don’t play around with your votes because of the colour of your shirt, or somebody’s sweet words or because someone is your wantok,” he said.
“You will have your say to vote for change. The opportunity to have your say comes every five years.”
O’Neill, the People’s National Congress (PNC) party leader was in Northern to support the party’s four candidates: Allan Mesa for Northern regional, Delilah Gore for Sohe Open, David Arore for Ijivitari Open and Jackson Ragusa for Popondetta Open.
He attended rallies in Sasembata, Afore and Popondetta town, telling the crowd to elect candidates who would ensure that development reached the villages.
“We (PNC) have come with the indigenous people of the land because we are their guests and we respect them.
“We are sure that they will represent their people and their village is well taken care of,” he said.
“When we look for people to do the work, we are always let down.
“I wasn’t born in the city.
“I was born in the bushes of Pangia, in a place that did not have a hospital or medical staff.
“So I understand the hardships that (rural) people go through.”
He highlighted the record of his PNC-led government which was in power from 2012 to May 2019.
“The PNC government delivered free education and free health care, built infrastructure (including) airports, roads, bridges, jetties, hospitals and schools,” he said.
“We know the areas which the government can improve on.”
He said incumbent governor (Gary Juffa) was the reason “nothing gets done” in Northern.


Ex-MP vows free education for tertiary students if re-elected

FORMER Usino-Bundi MP Anton Yagama has promised to provide free education to all students in the district – if he is re-elected.
Yagama said he would repeat what he did during his term from 2012 to 2017 when the district paid the school fees of 7,800 tertiary students in Usino-Bundi.
“Eighty per cent of students who benefitted from the school fees were from Usino local level government and 20 per cent from Bundi and Gama,” he said.
He is contesting the seat on a People’s National Congress (PNC) party ticket.
“People who voted for me in the last election are there and I am confident I will make it home this time,” he said.
He said he would promote the party’s strategy on free education.
“I am with the right party.”