As polling wraps up in parts of the country, New Ireland experienced a mostly peaceful polling period, beginning on Monday 5th July, in spite of bad weather, most ground officials performed diligently. In Kavieng there was a slight delay with Kavieng Open Candidates petitioning against an extra 9,899 extra ballot papers outside of the legal ballot papers allocated for Kavieng. But the issue was swiftly resolved at the Kavieng Police Station and polling went ahead around 11am. Incumbent Governor Sir Julius Chan didn’t waste any time, he cast his vote on Monday at Danmirik Primary school, ward 8 of the Matalai LLG. In the central LLG, specifically Kasubio logging road, there were reports of a vehicle carrying ballot papers catching fire, but swift intervention by scrutineers for Byron Chan, John Merebo, James Siat and NA scrutineers helped to save the ballot boxes. The general outlook from all polling locations throughout New Ireland was that there were too many eligible voter names not included in the Electoral rolls. “EC has a lot of catching up to do, and must consider local statistics derived from the village record book which was turned away by the EC,” said Sir J. While Polling officials said the Electoral roll was an updated one to the 2017 roll, it was found that many voters that voted in 2017 could not find their names. There were also instances where names of the dead were still on the electoral roll. However others who registered their names to vote in the recent five years did find their names. “I’m confused? I voted in 2017 and my name isn’t in this electoral roll. My right to vote has been deprived. The Electoral commission has five years to get things right, they should not have any excuses. Where does the huge funding go to? The Elections must be a priority,” said a disappointed Bruno Malazimba from Leon, Djaul Island. Otherwise polling in New Ireland was held in true New Ireland fashion with coffee nights buzzing the night before polling to lift spirits and create a sort of calm and ease. With counting set for next week, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius thanked all New Irelanders for the peaceful polling period, against showers, were great and urged the same spirit of cooperation for the counting period. Counting for the Namatanai Open seat will take place at Stemper Hall, for Kavieng Open Peter ToRot Hall and for the Regional Seat Fisheries College. “Had the EC listened to the Provincial Steering Committee and allowed the work put in by the Provincial Government and reached a legal understanding. One day polling would have gone well. It’s the EC, that has dragged New Ireland into the wrong direction, created uncertainties and frustrated the eligible voters. Depriving my people their rights,” said Sir J. He said a full investigation of the EC should be undertaken. “It certainly had enough money to run a free and fair elections. This is the worst Elections since Independence. For future Elections the Provinces should be given full Autonomy to run their elections, since the EC continues to fail miserably.”

The Divisional Commander for New Guinea Islands (NGI), Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Perou N’Dranou travelled to Manus on Saturday July 9, 2022 to check on the province on its security operations for the 2022 National General Election. Mr N’Dranou has rolled out a weekly visit to all provinces under his command in order to assess situations on the ground and provide assistance accordingly and leadership as required. “I visited New Ireland last week. It is peaceful and they are on track and time. I will be in Manus this week and I’ll visit West New Britain next week,” ACP N’Dranou said. Manus province commenced polling on Wednesday 6th of July 2022 peacefully without any disruption despite the delay and is likely to be this way until polling ends according to Manus Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector (CIP) Kiweri Kesambi. He said Manus is expected to complete polling on Wednesday 13th of July 2022 as per the dates set by the Provincial Electoral Commission Office and may begin counting on the 18th of July 2022. “We are now waiting for our teams to be sent to our Western Islands Aua and Vuvulu. There is no communication reception but from the reports we’ve received the Western Islands have been quiet and we are expecting their return by Tuesday the 12th or Wednesday 13th of July 2022,” PPC Kesambi said.

Pangu Pati Leader and Prime Minister, James Marape, has retained his seat as member for Tari Pori in Hela province after he was declared this afternoon by Tari Pori Returning Officer at 4:00pm. After quality checks were done, Marape polled over 40,900 with the absolute majority set at 30,600 plus votes. Counting for the Tari Pori electorate now official wraps up today following the declaration of the member elect, James Marape. Mr. Marape also thanked the polling officials and the election team on ground for a good job in ensuring everything went smoothly during counting. With these results, Marape is the first to be declared as member elect in the 2022 National General Elections.

The village Inuma in Rigo District of Central province was packed to capacity by voters on Wednesday 06th of July, starting from 10:00am to 6:00pm in the evening, to cast their votes in the 2022 National General Elections for a leader to represent them in parliament. Voters from both the surrounding village and Inuma locals residing in Port Moresby turned up and although most of the people didn’t have their names listed in the common roll, the locals accepted this and allowed for a peaceful voting day. Intending candidate for Rigo Open Mr. Dickson Guina who was there to also cast his vote said, “Today marks a historical event for the small village of Inuma, as voters from Port Moresby traveled home to cast their vote along with the locals.” “Rigo has been struggling over the years since Independence, and today I have cast my vote to tell the Rigo people that I am bringing change and empowering to bring change”. Mr. Guina was the former Secretarty for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs and served in the public sector for over 30 years and worked alongside many prime ministers, minister of government and members of parlaiment as well.  “I am honored to represent my people, people of Rigo, the country and to serve in the country and contribute meaningfully to the development of this country” said Guina. He stressed that the people needed leaders to make changes and has been going around telling his people that as leadership lacks in certain areas, the people need leaders that will lead the nation and the people. “Development can only come if we have leaders; therefore, today, I’m proud to say that all my people (Rigo Coast, Rigo Central, Rigo East and Rigo North) are going to elect a leader that will represent them to bring change.” “I pray that our voters throughout Rigo make the right and wise decision to bring change for the next five to ten years”. Meanwhile, on that day of voting, Guina was in a printed shirt that had Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s face printed on it, a significant message to his people of what he intends to do for them as a leader if elected to office. “I am wearing my shirt that has the face of Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare to pay tribute. He has led this country to independence and served this country for more than 40years as a member of Parliament and as a leader of this nation.” “I want to follow in his footsteps and because of that, I have worn this shirt to represent him. As he is the father of the nation, I will be the son of Rigo to bring change to the Rigo people, and not only that, I would like to bring change to the nation, PNG”.

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) has set up a Call Centre to provide legal support to the PNG Electoral Commission during the scrutiny (counting) period of the 2022 National General Election (NGE). Secretary of Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Eric Kwa in his briefing to the Inter – Departmental Election Committee, said the State lawyers participation in the 2022 NGE scrutiny period would be conducted through the Call Centre set up in Port Moresby, West New Britain Haus, Waigani. “Through this Call Centre, the required legal support services will be provided to address election related issues during the scrutiny period from all Returning Officers across the country. “The operations of the Call Centre will comprise 73 lawyers organized into regional teams and all will be on a two-shift arrangement per day,” Dr Kwa added. The Department of Justice & Attorney-General is a member of the IDEC. The telephone numbers to call are 3015800, 30129936 & 3012916 and have been in operation since Tuesday 5 July 2022. The Call Centre will be operating on a 24 hour basis, or until the counting ends throughout the country.

The security forces in the Western Highlands province are ready for polling on Wednesday 13th of July, says Provincial Police Commander Superintendent John Sagom. Mr Sagom said the security personnel are ready and looking forward to the polling. He said the Quick Response Force comprising PNG Défense Force and Police Mobile Squad personnel and the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) should help the Western Highlands Provincial Police Command deliver a free, fair, safe and corruption free election in the province. For the Highlands region, polling kicked off on Monday July 4 in Hela and July 7 in Enga.  For the Western Highlands Mr Sagom said they have 334 polling areas in the province. Roll-over teams coming from the Southern Highlands Province will be inserted into the respective polling sites in time for the polling next Wednesday. Mr Sagom appealed again to the people of Western Highlands Province for their cooperation in making the election free, fair, safe and corruption free. He said this is the time the candidates must show the people their true leadership qualities in ensuring that their supporters and tribesmen do not threaten, harass, and intimidate others. “I want all the candidates and their supporters not to cause any trouble but allow the constitutional process to take place. The security forces will ensure every citizen casts their votes freely without fear or favour,” Mr Sagom said.

Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen is preparing the province for Monday’s polling with awareness campaigns, random road blocks and checks and even a clean-up of the provincial capital of Mendi. Mr Yangen said the security forces are ready and prepared. He said the Quick Response Force (QRF) on the ground comprises Police Mobile Squad and PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) personnels as well as local policemen and policewomen. “We are waiting for the roll-over teams to arrive from Enga Province to boost our manpower strength,” Mr Yangen said. The PPC said he has completed briefing and scheduled the polling contingent and inserted his field commanders into the five electorates in the province. He said his field commanders are Police Station Commanders (PSCs) and Section Officers in Charge (OICs) who will work with the roll-over teams in providing security for the polling. “We know the number of polling areas to be covered in each electorate so we will insert the security personnel into these polling areas. We are doing random roadblocks and making awareness to ensure no drunkards and disturbances occur during polling and into the counting and declaration periods,” Mr Yangen said. Mr Yangen said all the candidates in the province are cooperating well with him and have promised that such incidents in the 2017 election would not be repeated in the 2022 National General Election. He said the candidates have promised to take ownership and control their supporters and the public. Mr Yangen reassured the people of Southern Highlands and Papua New Guinea that this election would be a successful one and would be free, fair, safe and corruption free.

The Gerehu Magpies will be aiming for a morale-boosting win over the University Tigers in the main Moni Plus Port Moresby AFL match for the Men’s Senior division at the Colts Oval today. The Magpies are playing their best football to date since they re-entered the competition this year. They beat Gordon Kokofas 86-83  two weeks ago only to be denied the match points on the reversal of decision for having a 19th  player on the field in the second quarter. As per the match rule, all points scored by the Magpies up to that stage were all removed and they had to start the match on a clean slate; however, last weekend they nailed Alavana Swans 63 to 2. The Magpies will be aiming to add the Tigers to their list of victims and the onus will be on the entire team to maintain their coordinated football game from the centre square. The Gerehu Magpies team is predominantly made up of youths from the Gerehu suburb, including students from Gerehu, Lwanga and Kopkop secondary schools as well as from Port Moresby National High School. Talented youngster and former PNG Binatangs star Bart Sovara, will lead the boys from Gerehu onto the field at 4:00pm in the afternoon.

Air Niugini wishes to advise the travelling public that effective from 06th August 2022 the airline will resume direct services to Honiara, Solomon Islands, and Nadi, Fiji. The resumption of services has been made possible by the relaxing of border restrictions in the two countries, and flights will initially operate once a week in each direction. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Bruce Alabaster said “Air Niugini is delighted to be able to resume flights to the Solomon Islands and Fiji following their suspension over two years ago at the start of pandemic when borders were closed. “ “We are confident that the resumption of these flights will boost trade, investment, and people movement between the three Melanesian countries.” The flights are scheduled to provide convenient connections in Nadi to and from Suva, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In Port Moresby these flights will allow convenient connections to and from Singapore, whilst in Honiara they will connect conveniently with Solomon Airlines domestic services around Solomon Islands. Flight PX084 departs Port Moresby on Saturdays at 09: 45am, arriving in Honiara at 1: 05pm local time, before continuing on to Nadi where it arrives at 6:00pm local time. The return service PX085 departs Nadi on Sundays at 08: 30am, arriving in Honiara at 10:30am local time. After a one-hour stopover flight PX085 departs Honiara at 11:30am local time, landing in Port Moresby at 12: 50pm. Flights will be operated by ANG’s Boeing 737 aircraft, with both Business and Economy class available, and with complimentary refreshments and entertainment on board.

Air Niugini wishes to advise our valued customers that the airline has suspended flights to Wapenamanda airport, Enga Province, effective Friday 08th July until further notice. The decision to suspend flights follows the vandalization of the airport runway last night, which has resulted in NAC closing the airport and poses an unacceptable safety risk to the travelling public, our staff, aircraft, and property. The flight suspension is for an indefinite period. Air Niugini management said “The airline (ANG) only resumed operations to Wapenamanda twelve months ago in July 2021, after the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Government spent millions of Kina improving the airport runway and terminal infrastructure. The vandalism which occurred overnight shows a complete disregard for public property and facilities and is completely unacceptable. “ “ We understand the inconvenience that the actions of a minority will cause the travelling public, however in the interest of safety we have no choice but to withdraw services indefinitely. Safety is always of paramount importance in our operations.” Prior to the flight suspension, Air Niugini was operating five weekly services to Wapenamanda using Dash8 aircraft. Passengers who have already paid for tickets may have them rerouted to or from Mount Hagen at no extra charge, or apply for a refund. Air Niugini is not responsible for passenger road transportation between Mount Hagen and Wapenamanda

The Wapenamanda Airport in Enga Province has been closed indefinitely as of this morning. The National Airports Corporation issued a STOP Press NOTAM this morning advising of the closure of Wapenamanda Airport until further notice. This follows an incident last night (Tuesday 7th July) where oil was spilled together with broken bottles on sections of the airport runway. NAC Managing Director and CEO, Rex Kiponge has strongly condemned this incident and said that NAC together with Police will conduct a full investigation including an assessment of the damage caused. “I am very disappointed and strongly condemn these actions which are caused by a few people who are holding the rest of the travelling public at ransom because of their senseless actions.” Mr Kiponge said. “Again, this is a breach of the Civil Aviation Laws and a criminal offence and NAC will not tolerate this behaviour. I appeal to the people of Wapenamanda to work with NAC and the police to identify those perpetrators and hand them over to the police.” He added.

Commissioner of Police David Manning signed a MoU between the Joint Security Task Force and the PNG Electoral Commission on Wednesday July 6 which effect Police coordination of logistic air support for the 2022 National General Election. The MOU, which was signed in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, was witnessed by the Chair of the Inter-Departmental Election Committee (IDEC) Mr. Ivan Pomaleu, who is also Secretary for the Department of Prime Minister and NEC. Mr. Pomaleu said this is in recognition of the limitation of air assets available for contracting to the PNG Electoral Commission. “The contractors engaged by the PNGEC for air support do not have adequate capacity to deliver logistics for the elections. So after having reviewed and evaluated the air support arrangements with Hela, and the first couple of days of polling, it became necessary to reconfigure the coordination and leadership arrangement for insertion and extraction of polling teams and the required security oversight. “This MOU recognizes the critical air assets capacities with contractors procured for the movement of polling teams and ballot papers, and sets out to achieve a more coordinated approach, and to ensure that all available air assets are coordinated through a lead point,” Mr. Pomaleu said. He added that there will be a need to reassign resources to fill the gaps as part of this MoU, with the key outcome being the achievement of operational efficiency as the teams move into the Enga and other provinces for polling. Chairman Pomaleu said the MoU may be reviewed depending on the evaluation of the operating environment after covering the upper highlands region and moving on to Simbu and Eastern Highlands provinces. The MoU was a result of discussions between the Police Commissioner Manning, Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai and Secretary Pomaleu. “Under this agreement, the RPNGC Air Wing hereby takes over the coordination and the delivery of air support,” Chairman Pomaleu said. The RPNGC Air Wing will command, control, manage and coordinate air support for this 2022 National General Election