PM: Pray for peace, calm

By STAFF REPORTERS
PRIME Minister James Marape has appealed to the nation to pray for peace and calm, as we enter the final two phases – polling and counting – of General Election 2022 (GE22).
“As campaigns draw to a close across the nation, I appeal for peace, calm and reflection over the weekend, before voting starts on Monday,” Marape said.
“The best team of leaders (to be in charge) for the next five years will emerge (when the election process is completed).
“I (request) those worshipping on the Sabbath, or on Sunday, to pray for God’s inspiration on the election process, (to give) the best outcome for PNG.
“A sincere prayer will be heard by God, irrespective of who we are, as God sees right through all our motives.”
Voters in the National Capital District will go to the polling stations around the capital city from 8am on Monday.
Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said electoral officials were trying their best to get everything done by July 15 to allow time for counting in the provinces.
“All the election-related materials have been sent to the provinces and all that remains now is for people to (cast their votes) on the date of polling,” he said.
Voters will elect 118 members of parliament, including governors of the 22 provinces, from the 3,600-plus candidates nominated.
There are 6,000 polling teams in the 22 provinces.
For those wanting to vote in their villages, lists will be distributed in the main towns by the returning officers and assistant returning officers of the main polling sites, Sinai added.
He said one scrutineer would accompany a voter to the polling booth, in case the voter needs assistance.
There will be three lanes: One for men, one for women, and one for the elderly, persons living with disabilities and expectant mothers.
Workshops for the international observers end today.
They will be travelling to the provinces with Electoral Commission staff this weekend.
Sinai clarified that the polling dates would differ according to the regions and provinces.
He said most of the polling would take place on July 11 and 12, and not go beyond July 15, so as to give time to counting officials to do their jobs before the return of writs.
Marape said voters must treat their duty to choose their leaders seriously.
“All of us have been campaigning hard as we want the best for our country,” he said.