Parties sign code of conduct

TWENTY-FIVE out of 53 registered political parties signed the 2022 Code of Conduct for parties, candidates, scrutineers and supporters during the launch early this week.
Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said that the code of conduct sought to improve the integrity of the general election.
“It sets out written guidelines to govern the conduct of political parties, candidates, party scrutineers and supporters during the nomination, campaign, polling, scrutiny and even after the elections,” he said.
“The PNG Electoral Commission wants cooperation among all electoral stakeholders so we can deliver a genuine and safe general election,” he said. Sinai said that the Code of Conduct was non-obligatory and non-binding and the electoral commission does not have the authority to enforce the code or impose sanctions.
“However, we want to promote an orderly conduct of election and I call on all political parties, candidates, scrutineers and supporters to read the 10-page Code of Conduct booklet and follow and respective election laws and regulations,” he said.
Acting Political Parties Registrar Emmanuel Pok said that political parties and their candidates and supporters were key players in the election process.
“They (political parties and their candidates and supporters) have the greater responsibility to make the election free, fair and safe for all stakeholders to participate in,” he said.
Copies of the Code of Conduct booklets can be picked up from the PNG Electoral Office and the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission office.

Party to reveal 40 candidates

The Country Party will announce its 40 candidates which includes three females for this election in Goroka, Eastern Highlands today, according to president Nelson Duwabane.
Duwabane said the party did not look for candidates or considered those who contested under different parties in previous elections.
“We will endorse 40 candidates who are party members and subscribe to its philosophies and policies and as party members, provide advice, formulate policies and make suggestions to the Parliamentary Wing apart from exercising the right to vote and contest for public office.”
From 2002-17, the Country Party has won at most four prominent or interesting seats such as Kompiam Ambum, Anglimp South Waghi, Rai Coast, Chuave, Goroka, Lufa, Kerema and Gulf.
Despite PNG progressing well with only Panguna mine and Ok Tedi till 1990 and now with a lot of mining projects from Sepik to Milne Bay and hydrocarbon from Gulf to Enga, Duwabane said it has not provided economic stability.
He added that the party visions for economic independence for every citizen of the country and that can only be achieved through better land utilisation in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, arts and culture in the general elections.

Maru agrees with delay of writs

YANGORU-Saussia MP Richard Maru says the deferral of the issue of writs to tomorrow has given ample time to provinces to complete updating their common rolls.
Maru said such decision should not be considered as a delay in the election process but a way to prepare properly.
“People can have opinions towards the deferral,” he said.
“Only if we understand the law then we won’t be debating on the topic because we all will understand that his (Electoral Commissioner) decision is constitutional.
“We don’t want to rush things up.
“Time is not on our side and the decision by the commissioner for the deferral is okay.
“Now we have all the provinces complete their roll updates and are ready to vote.
“We want every citizen to vote and not be left out.
“Every single votes matter. Let them exercise (their rights to vote).
“It is through the people that we are able to see the next government form,” he said.
Maru, the People’s First Party (PFP) leader, also raised concern regarding security before the PNG Electoral Commission.
People’s National Congress party leader Peter O’Neill shared similar views earlier, saying security needed to be beefed up in areas that had disturbances in the past.

Dept: Provinces advised to hold appointments

THE Department of Personnel Management (DPM) issued circular last week directing all provincial administrators, to hold appointments of district administrators and other changes until after government is formed.
Secretary Taies Sansan said the decision was made to ensure stability and continuity during and after the general election period.
This means proposed changes to current acting district administrators will cease until a new Government is formed.
The other directions are:

• ALL selection and recruitment of new district administrators following proper processes are to be completed in consultation with the DPM and the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government before the date of the issue of writs (as open members) are part of the process; and,
• FAILING the completion of the process above, the selection process is ceased until the formation of the new Government (new open member can be consulted).
  Sansan said provincial administrators were the appointing authority when it came to the appointment of district administrators, as outlined in the Public Services (Management) Act and the Public Service General Orders.

She reminded provincial administrators to exercise caution due to the impending general election and conduct such selections and appointments with care that may not jeopardise the operations of the public service machinery in the provinces and districts.