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By CLIFFORD FAIPARIKand REBECCA KUKU

ELECTORAL Commissioner Patilias Gamato has warned candidates intending to contest the general election to fill in Form 29 before the close of nominations because it is a legal requirement.
This includes Moresby North West MP Michael Malabag, who is yet to fill in the form claiming that it is not a requirement.
He is expected to face former Prime Minister Sir Mereke Morauta who has already filled in the form and is on the official list of candidates released by the Electoral Commission.
Gamato said everyone intending to contest the general election must fill in Form 29 before the close of nominations on April 27.
Malabag told The National yesterday that he planned to defend the seat he won in 2012 after he beat 37 others, but thought Form 29 was only for administrative purposes and not mandatory.
Port Moresby MPs, including National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, North East MP Labi Amaiu and Moresby South MP Justine Tkatchenko, had already filled in Form 29 and were on the official list.
Meanwhile, Malabag said Sir Mekere Morauta should resign from his position as chairman of the PNG Sustainable Development Programme before contesting the seat against him.
Sir Mekere had held the seat before Malabag.
Yesterday, the Electoral Commission also warned intending candidates and the public to refrain from early campaigning activities.
Media officer Alphonse Muapi said the commission had issued warning notices around the country following complaints and concerns raised by members of the public on early campaigning.
“As a body set up under the Constitution to conduct free, fair and safe elections, the Electoral Commission has issued public notices to ensure that the public is aware of the offences set out under the Criminal Code relating to elections,” he said.
Muapi said a person before, during or after the elections who provided or paid in whole or part the expenses of providing any food, drink or lodging to or for any person on account of any person to do an act or not to do an act as an elector would be fined K400 or serve a prison term of less than one year.
“Any form of undue influence and bribery will also be fined K400 or serve a prison term of less than a year,” he said.
Muapi said any person convicted of the charges would not be able to vote or stand for parliamentary elections for three years.
The Electoral Commission also confirmed yesterday that the total number of candidates had increased to 3220, following the inclusion of the 393 candidates contesting the seven seats in Chimbu.
The Chimbu Regional seat has 76 candidates, Chuave 47, Gumine 57, Karamui-Salt-Nomane 53, Kerowaghi 66, Kundiawa-Gembogl 47 and SinaSina-Yongomugl 47.