K500,000 set to help by-election

THE National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has assisted the Electoral Commission with K500,000 to conduct the Port Moresby North-West by-election.
The NCDC will assist the commission with logistics, resources and support required for the by-election.
Acting Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said such support was needed.
“The PNGEC has about 200 staff and we need the support because during national elections, a quarter of the population (eligible voters) will be involved once every five years,” he said.
“We are having the by-election in Moresby Northwest with 42 candidates vying for the seat, which includes a woman.”
Sinai said the by-election was an opportunity to test the Covid-19 standard operating procedure.
“We will continue the new arrangement in polling and counting to shorten the election, such as during the by-elections in Menyamya, Goroka and the Bougainville regional seat.”