By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
[su_pullquote]“We have been spending so much when election comes around”, said Governor Parkop.[/su_pullquote]Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the Government is pushing for reforms in the election process. Mr. O’Neill said the Government, through relevant agencies, will present a bill to parliament for new legislative reforms for voting, counting and cases related to election petitions.
The Prime Minister said this, following questions raised by NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, in parliament yesterday afternoon. Governor Parkop said the election process is becoming costly, and better ways of conducting the election must be established.
“We have been spending so much when election comes around”, said Governor Parkop.
“Our people need a better election process”, Parkop added.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill responded saying Government agencies had been working on this following lessons learnt after the 2017 Elections. The legislative reforms will see improvements in the type of voting system, counting, and duration of the whole election process. The Prime Minister said the elections always have dramatic effects on the country’s economy, law and order and wellbeing of the nation. He says a better system is needed.
“Agencies have been tasked to carryout a legislative review on the election process”, said Mr O’Neill.
The PM said NEC wants to present the submission before the last seating of parliament this year.
