EC releases new plan for better election

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
ELECTORAL Commissioner Patilias Gamato says a new Corporate Plan (2018 to 2022) will ensure that the next general election in 2022 is prepared and conducted in a better manner than past elections.
“This plan is an innovative and comprehensive approach to recognise the importance of a long-term cycle in strategic planning of elections in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“It also establishes new initiatives to improve on the Electoral Commission’s work in planning, preparing and delivering a democratic election in the country.”
Gamato said the plan presented a “clear, precise roadmap” for the commission in its management, learning from mistakes of the 2017 event and on the recommendations of domestic and international observers.
Gamato said during the launching of the plan in Port Moresby on Friday that it included a review of electoral boundaries, legislative changes on the electoral framework, the conduct of the 2019 local level government elections, conduct of the 2022 general election, organisational restructuring of the Electoral Commission, and the use of appropriate technology to help the commission in delivering successful elections.
But he warned that for the plan to be successful, financial assistance was needed from the Government, provinces and international partners.
He said a well-resourced and trained commission would implement the plan with a highly skilled workforce.