The 12-member observer group for the Commonwealth is in the country for two weeks of polling which commences June, 24.
The Chair of the Commonwealth observer group, Sir Anand Satyanand mentioned in his arrival statement that “Two members of our Group have been on the ground as advance observers since 7 June in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka and Mt Hagen”.
The Commonwealth has observed four of PNG’s last five national elections since 1992.
“Our presence here reaffirms the Commonwealth’s strong and longstanding support for Papua New Guinea’s democratic processes,” Sir Anand said.
According to Sir Anand the Commonwealth election observer group includes experts from political, election, development, media, youth and gender fields.
“Our Terms of Reference are to observe the electoral process and consider the factors that could impinge on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole. This includes observing the pre-election environment, polling day, the count, and post election period,” He added.
Campaigning across the country will come to an end at midnight today, Friday, June 23, with polling officially commencing thereafter and closing July, 8.
Click here to read Sir Anand Satyanand’s arrival statement.
Main Image: Radio New Zealand
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