By Jack Lapauve Jr. – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The PNG Electoral Commission launched its Corporate Plan 2018 to 2022, this morning(17th of August), in Port Moresby.
Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, says the plan is to improve the current electoral system used in the country.
Gamato says legislative reforms are a major change to guide the Commission. “The Corporate Plan clearly states the functions and reforms, that will be undertaken to provide better electoral services, throughout the country”, said Gamato. He says the plan is significant because it captures inputs from the private sector, development partners, and NGO’s and adapts them to international standards.
On the back of the 2017 National Elections, the Electoral Commission was criticized for poorly managing the elections. Gamato says the reforms, will now enable the Commission to be prepared and equipped with the necessary capacity, to carry out its role. The 5-year corporate plan was launched by Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, William Samb and Commissioner Gamato.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato is seeking the help of Provincial Governments and stakeholders, to assist to host the 2019 LLG Elections.
Mr. Gamato said with budget cuts announced by the Government, reaching remote places for the elections, will be a challenge.
Gamato also confirmed, that the Limited Preferential Voting or LPV system, will be used and not First Past The Post for the LLG Elections.
