Family listings launched

 THE Electoral Commission and police in the highlands region have jointly warned against early campaigns by aspiring candidates for the 2012 general election.

Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen and assistant police commissioner for Highlands ACP Simon Kauba issued a stern warning in Goroka last Friday during the launch of family order listing common roll for the region.

“The law does not allow for intending candidates for early campaigns, police will make arrests for early campaigners and they will face court to explain why,” Kauba said.

He said campaigning would only be done after the issue of writs and official nomination by candidates.

Kauba supported the new initiative by the Electoral Commission to re-introduce family listing for highlands, saying it was used in the 1970s. 

Trawen reiterated that it was illegal for intending candidates to do early campaigns and entice voters with money, food and goods.

“This methodology of enrolling electors was piloted in the Yagaria LLG in the Lufa district and Manus urban LLG last November and has been hailed a success,” Trawen said.

“It was during this trial that ward councillors, village elders and electors themselves highly recommended that the family order be the method of enrolling voters in the highlands region.

“The family order listing is the way to develop a more credible electoral roll for the region because the region is a great concern for PNG Electoral Commission,” he said.