More seats okayed

CABINET yesterday gave the nod for parliament to consider passing the necessary amendments for the country’s two proposed new provinces of Hela and Jiwaka to have their first elections next year.
A new set of adjusted Bills will be presented to make way for governors to be re-elected next year.
Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal announced the decision made by the cabinet following a submission by the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Minister Job Pomat.
The amendment to the Organic Law on national and local level government elections was made to re-adjust the range of open electorates in the country.
Abal said the approval meant the number of seats in parliament would increase to 111.
Minister for the State assisting the Prime Minister Francis Potape, who is responsible for the Electoral Commission and election matters, has been directed to ensure to hold election management processes for next year’s election.