By Jacobeth Pokopia – EM TV News, Lae
The PNG Electoral Commission has confirmed more than three thousand candidates will be contesting the Local Level Government elections in for Morobe Province.
Morobe Election Manager Election Manager, Simon Soheke, said 3,157 candidates have paid nomination fees for the 567 wards in the Morobe Province, with 64 of them, women candidates. Thirteen candidates have been declared unopposed.
“Polling will start on Saturday the 20th of this month and should continue for the next 6 days with counting and declarations,” said Mr Soheke.
The Election Manager said their biggest expenditure includes transport, with travel expected to places such as Wasu, Menyamya, Garaina and Siassi.
He has said however, the district and provincial government has been supportive and have assisted with a number of vehicles during this period.
“Preparations have been made for polling officials and the materials will be distributed to the various parts of the Province within the next three days leading up to the polling period.”
Soheke says counting will be centralized, with the Lae Urban counting to be held at the Lae Polytechnic Institute while the Ahi counting, conducted at the Emmanuel High School.
Mr Soheke says they are looking forward to delivering a free, fair and safe election and is calling for the candidates and supporters to take ownership of their actions during this crucial period.
