Support electorates, agencies told

The Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) says it has done its part splitting seven new electorates and urged relevant Government agencies to support them.
According to chairman Simon Sinai yesterday, the commission completed its constitutional duty.
“At this stage, it is now the duty of the relevant State agencies and authorities and relevant stakeholders to implement the approval given by Parliament to give effect to the (seven) new electorates,” he said.
“The EBC calls on the Government and relevant State agencies to give effect to the new electorates by proving the necessary support to establish the new electorates.”
Sinai said questions on the administrative role and physical infrastructure should be raised with other relevant government agencies.
He thanked the 10th Parliament for unanimously accepting the 2021 EBC recommendations and maps on Tuesday.
In the EBC report, seven electorates were enacted with their respective elections to be held this year. The are Delta Fly, Hiri-Koiari, Popondetta, Nakanai, Wau-Waria, Komo-Hulia and Porgera-Paiela.
Sinai who is also the PNG Electoral Commissioner said this general election would see these new electorates go for election, bringing the total number of open seats to 118.
He confidently said the commission was prepared to conduct the election with inclusion of the seven open seats created.
Prime Minister James Marape had said the 2022 General Election would cost K500mil with a huge portion going to the common roll update, pre-election planning and security.