By Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) has commenced preparations and planning for the 2017 National General Election.
Over 15 provincial election managers across the country are now in Port Moresby for a one-week workshop.
The preparations target five main areas described as crucial by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato.
“There are five things I want to share with you this morning, challenges for 2012 and 2013 elections, development philosophies and ideas for PNGEC, managing election expectations and the need to work together, and [the] way forward after this workshop,” Commissioner Gamato said.
The five areas include the challenges PNGEC encountered in the 2012 elections, the increase in the number of candidates that will be contesting the 2017 election and financial issues surrounding the nomination of female candidates.
Gamato says observation reports on the coordination of previous elections submitted in parliament states that there was poor reporting from provincial election managers that’suggested the need for adequate training of election officers.
Thus, Gamato announced that there will be a transfer of election managers where necessary, to ensure the election in 2017 runs smoothly.
He added that because the public has a high expectation on the coordination of the 2017 National General Election, PNGEC is also demanding a high standard of electoral duties by election officials in the country.
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