Former electoral commissioner dies

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FORMER Electoral Commission Sir Andrew Trawen, pictured, pashas died after a short illness in Port Moresby yesterday.
He had been part of every general election since independence and took charge of the last two elections in 2007 and 2012.
He retired in 2015 after 41 years of service to Papua New Guinea.
Sir Andrew, 61, is original from Ambukanjai village, Yangoru District in East Sepik.
He is survived by wife Lady Anna Trawen and children Alcinda, Brendan and Charlene.
Sir Andrew joined the commission as a young trainee electoral officer in 1974 – the year before PNG gained political independence from Australia – and worked his way up to become one of the country’s key public servants.
He was awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2015 and was knighted by acting Governor-General Theodore Zurenuoc on Nov 5 at government House in Port Moresby.
Sir Andrew is credited with introducing the concept of elections steering committee.