By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato has officially announced the dates for the 2018 LLG Elections.
Issue of Writs will open on Thursday 30th August, followed by nominations, polling, and return of writs on Friday 02nd November. Mr Gamato also made it clear that there will be one election for ward members and councilors.
He says it will take approximately 4 months before the writs are returned. The breakdown of dates will see nomination a period of seven days, campaign period three weeks, polling period 14 days and counting 21 days.
Commissioner Gamato says the 2018 LLG Elections is crucial and EC is prepared. However Mr Gamato says, Provincial Governments and District Development Authorities will play a key role in supporting the Commission to successfully carry out the LLG elections. He said the available resources will be put to use.
Meanwhile, Mr Gamato has urged the voting public to confirm their names with the Electoral Commission officers’ who are currently carrying out a final cross-check of the common roll throughout the country.
The final key dates announced by Mr Gamato is as follows;
- Issue of Writs: Thursday, 30th August, 2018 (4:00pm)
- Nominations Close: Thursday, 06th September, 2018 (4:00pm)
- Polling Starts: Saturday, 29th September, 2018
- Polling Ends: Saturday, 13th October, 2018
- Return of Writs on or before: Friday, 02nd November, 2018
The Minister for Inter-Government Relations, Kevin Isifu has approved the final dates.
