Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council and Chairman of the Inter-Departmental Election Committee, Ivan Pomaleu, has urged departments to work closely with the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission, to deliver a successful 2022 national general elections. Secretary Pomaleu made this call during the weekly IDEC meeting yesterday (01/06/22) morning. “Our main task is to support the Electoral Commission with whatever assistance we can provide.” He told departments concerned, including Prime Minister and National Executive Council, National Planning & Monitoring, Justice & Attorney-General, Treasury, Finance, Information & Communications Technology, Royal PNG Constabulary, National Intelligence Organisation, PNG Defence Force, Government Printing Office, Provincial & Local Government Affairs, Personnel Management, PNG Transparency International, Correctional Services and National Research Institute, to support the overall mandate of the PNG Electoral Commission. Secretary Pomaleu reiterated Prime Minister James Marape’s call for public servants who have been assigned to assist the PNG Electoral Commission, to deliver a corruption-free, fair and safe elections through positive messaging. Secretary Pomaleu said that the election messaging should be exact, factual and timely to enhance stakeholders’ knowledge of this important event. Secretary Pomaleu reinforced the Prime Minister’s concern for voters to cast their votes without fear and intimidation. As of yesterday (01/06/22), the number of male candidates throughout the country stands at 3351, whilst female candidates stand at 142, bringing the total nominations to 3493. The number of candidates may slightly change when the latest figures become available.

The Jack’s of PNG has opened a new outlet at the Stop N Shop Supermarket in Rainbow, Port Moresby. It is the 6th Jack’s of PNG retail shop to opened in the Country. The new shop is said to provide more retail opportunity, more brands, fashion & sporting gear and more employment for the community. Mr Navin Rahju, Chief Executive officer of the CPL Group of companies, on behalf of the management, thanked and welcomed everyone attending the grand opening and remarked that it was a momentous occasion for the country stating that over the last 7 years of operating in the country, the Jack’s of PNG name has become a household brand. “When you see people dressed up for functions or see people dressed up for important occasions, you see the Jack’s clothing everywhere,” said Mr. Rahju. He added that he was proud that the brand was providing the people with quality products at affordable prices, expressing great delight in opening a shop in the suburb of Gerehu/Rainbow, making it reachable for customers around the area. “There is a great range of clothing here that meets our customers requirements with a new range of clothing that is not available anywhere else on the market,” Mr. Rahju added. Also for the first time, two women were appointed managers for the new shop at rainbow, as part of the development program for females and portrays the great strides that CPL is making for inclusion. Both women were also given a chance to share their experience working with Jack’s and both women were grateful for the opportunity to work alongside each other.

Prime Minister James Marape says the Government has so far allocated K274.4 million for security operations in the 2022 General Election to make it “fair and safe” for all citizens. This is the largest amount of money every allocated for election security operations. PM Marape said this today (May 31 2022) after a meeting with Police Commissioner David Manning, PNG Defence Force Commander Major-General Mark Goina and Correctional Service Commissioner Stephen Pokanis. Also present for the meeting was Inter-Departmental Election Committee Chairman and Secretary for Prime Minister and NEC Ivan Pomaleu. “We have given more support to our disciplinary forces in 2022, unlike previous elections, such as in 2012 and 2017,” PM Marape said. “The Government, under the watch of the Pangu Pati, delivered to this country its sovereignty and democracy in 1975 and continues to this day. “As the party that is now in charge of the Executive Government, supervising and resourcing the electoral process, we will be fully supporting Police, PNGDF and Correctional Service, as well as Electoral Commission, to give our people the opportunity to cast their votes for the leaders of their choice. “To date, Police have so far received K190 million, PNGDF have received K72.8 million, Correctional Service have received K11.6 million – a total of K274.4 million. “All three heads of our security forces confirmed to me today that they are equipped and ready to go, and are well-resourced to assist the Electoral Commission deliver a fair and safe 2022 General Election.” PM Marape said the heads of the three security forces would meet Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai tomorrow (June 1 2022) to discuss security during polling, which was scheduled to start on July 4, and plan for that. “As Prime Minister,” he said, “I am satisfied that the security forces have been given good support by our Government. “I want to thank our Treasury and Finance departments for ensuring that our security forces are resourced. “Likewise, we’ve given adequate support to the Electoral Commission, to ensure that they are ready for polling, counting, declarations and return of writs. “So far, so good, and I want to thank citizens nationwide for their support in terms of allowing nominations to conclude well right across the country, except for one or two areas. “We are going into campaigning now, and from the briefing I’ve received from Police, they are ready to apprehend and arrest any candidates or supporters who engage in illegal activities. “Police will be informing the public about election offences. “We want these elections to be fair and safe for all citizens to cast their votes for leaders of their choice.”  

21 candidates have been nominated to contest the West New Britain Regional seat following the closing of nominations last Thursday. West New Britain Provincial Returning Officer Emily Kelton said the 21 candidates consists of 20 males and 1 female candidate. “9 of them are endorsed by political parties while 12 are contesting as independent candidates,” she said. “The party endorsed candidates include sitting Governor Sasindran Muthuvel running under Pangu Party, former Police Commissioner Gari Baki under People’s National Congress Party, Mark Lebong under National Alliance, John Mondo under PNG Party, Daniel Kanau under United Labour Party, Willie Edo under Liberal Party, Celine Uma under People’s Action Party, Leonard Biage Gawa under Our Development Party, Damien Wamil Dawson under Indigenous Liberation Party.” Among the independent candidates is the former Director Planning, Information & Coordination at WNB Provincial Health Authority Dennis Parisan. Kelton said the order of draw has already been done and campaign activities have commenced in the province.

Prime Minister James Marape has thanked all 101 MPs who supported him to become PM on May 30, 2019. He said this today (May 30 2022) on the third anniversary of that momentous occasion in Papua New Guinea history when he took over from Peter O’Neill. PM Marape also thanked the ‘Loloata 52’ who steadfastly stood by him in November and December 2020 when the Opposition tried to move a no-confidence motion against him. “When we took office,” he reflected today, “we never saw COVID-19 coming in 2020, we never saw the economy going through hard times. “We knew that we were handling a bad economy that was mismanaged and rundown, in the eight years of the previous regime. “We knew that the deficit, and the debt level, was higher than forecast at Treasury. “We restructured the Budget in the 2019 Supplementary Budget, and went to work on growing and strengthening the economy, and we have thankfully survived the last three years. “We have invested in all parts of our country, through the ‘Connect PNG’ infrastructure, and ‘Missing Link’ roads. “We are connecting Maramuni in Enga, Telefomin in West Sepik, Karamui in Chimbu and Finschhafen in Morobe, to name just a few. “In our efforts to fight corruption, we have passed the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Bill, the Whistleblowers’ Bill and an amendment to the Proceeds of Crime Act to have public servants and politicians liable for prosecution for undisclosed wealth “We have paid off outstanding contracts of the previous regime, restructured the national debt with more-sustainable loans with zero per cent interest with a five-year grace period. “So yes, the last three years was extreme with COVID-19, the politics and no-confidence motion of 2020 – the effects of which continued into 2021, and now the General Election in 2022. “These were three momentous years, but nevertheless, it has been a time of strengthening our resolve to do better for our country and taking it back from the wrong hands, and placing national interests above personal interests. “We took over Government to fight for a greater share of our national revenue from corporate interests, we fought to make our country a place of better opportunities for our children where no-one is left behind. “As an example of this, last year, we enrolled the highest-ever number of Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) students, who left school many years ago. “We have had many achievements over the last three years.” PM Marape wished all the best to those MPs who voted him in 2019 and stood by him during the 2020 no-confidence period. He said Pangu Pati respected the Loloata Coalition Accord and had not endorsed candidates against those were in the Loloata Island camp. “I thank my supporters throughout the country for your patience and understanding, including my own voters in Tari-Pori,” PM Marape. “I thank some serious candidates of the 2017 elections in Tari-Pori, as well as in the Hela Regional Seat, for not contesting this year in respect of my holding the Prime Minister’s seat of the country. “I thank Christians around the country for praying for PNG in three very hard years. “Take Back PNG’ has started over the last three years, with equal amounts of money being given to all districts, and we will continue this fight to take back more from our resources like 51 per cent from Porgera, P’nyang Gas. “This is the realization of our efforts to take back more from our resources so that out people and our country benefit. “As we go into the elections, I pray for peace and calm to continue, with the people having the chance to form government through the polls.”

Chief Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai has called on all candidates and supporters across the country to respect each other during the campaign period and not to incite violence and trouble. “Elections are meant to be free and fair where citizens get the opportunity to choose their leader. There are rivalries in any contest whether it be politics or sports but we must always respect the rules of the game,” Mr Sinai said. Mr Sinai made the comments following reports of an incident that happened last Friday in Okapa where there was a clash between the supporter of sitting MP Saki Soloma and the public which resulted in the burning down of the convoy of vehicles belonging to the local Member. “I appeal to all citizens to respect one another during the campaign period. Candidates must use the time and opportunity to spell out your policies and voters must listen to their policy statements that would assist in making informed choices and decisions when casting your vote. No one should take things personal and incite trouble just because you don’t like personalities or group of people. This is a democratic country and let be mature and responsible in our thinking and have respect for others in the way we conduct ourselves,” he said.   “Let’s be civilized and do things the right way. The only way to show dissent is in the ballot box and not by use of force and intimidation. If you don’t like a candidate, you have that opportunity now to make your choice and not by confrontation.” The Commissioner further warned those individuals going around destroying candidates’ posters and election banners put up by political parties and candidates as such acts constitute and electoral offense and individuals can be arrested and fined or jailed once they are caught. “I urge all citizens to respect campaign posters and electoral materials put up by political parties and candidates and stop pulling them down or burn them. It is an electoral office and if anyone is caught engaged in such illegal acts, they can be arrested and fined or imprisoned for two years,” he said.

THE National Alliance (NA) Party has endorsed former premier of New Ireland Province, Pedi Anis as its new candidate to contest the Kavieng Open seat. Party president Stephen Pokawin declared this to over a thousand enthusiastic and proud NA supporters in a sea of red that flooded the Snafu oval in Kavieng town during a rally on the last day of nominations last Thursday. This follows a last minute ditch recently by former NA strong man and Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey to Pangu Pati. Mr Pokawin said the move came as a shock for the party; however this has not hindered the party’s spirit to field a vibrant and experienced candidate in Mr Anis from New Hanover for the Kavieng seat. NA Secretary General and candidate for Namatanai Open, Walter D Schnaubelt who will be comfortably re-contesting the seat welcomed Mr Anis and the wealth of experience he will bring to team NA in New Ireland in the 2022 National General Elections. “We need experienced people like Pedi Anis to provide guidance and advice to move us forward in our political aspirations in serving our people in the province. He said NA is anticipating a clean sweep for the three seats in New Ireland with another strong contender for New Ireland Regional, Augustine Molonges who hails from the largest Sentral Niu Ailan LLG in Namatanai as it prepares to enter the campaign trail. Mr Molonges has worked under Mr Schnaubelt for over 18 years was chosen in order to continue to provide government services to not only Namatanai district, but Kavieng district and New Ireland Province as a whole. Mr Schnaubelt who is also the NA team leader for New Ireland Province is promoting the NA candidates using his track record of excellent performance in service delivery for his people of Namatanai district as the platform to contest the elections. “When you vote SMA (Schnaubelt, Molonges, Anis) for the three seats in New Ireland you are rest assured that we will give you a “Double Dose Belhat Development” in terms of service delivery. “What that means is when a church, school or health centre receives funding of a certain amount in an electorate the same amount will be added by the provincial government to enhance service delivery,” Mr Schnaubelt explained. He said for example, if an electorate funds K10,000 for a school infrastructure project the provincial government will add another K10,000 to complete the project likewise other impact projects as well. The NA New Ireland candidate’s respective box numbers includes; Walter Schnaubelt (27) for Namatanai Open, Pedi Anis (21) Kavieng Open and Augustine Molonges (11) for New Ireland Regional.

New Queensland Coach Billy Slater has included four debutants as part of his side for Game One of the 2022 Ampol State of Origin series to be played at Accor Stadium on June 8. North Queensland forwards Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai have both been rewarded for their strong start to the year with selection in the side, while Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo is also set to make his Origin debut after just 19 NRL games. Cobbo will be joined on debut Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan with fellow Brisbane teammate Thomas Flegler also included among the reserves. After missing last year's series with injury, Roosters prop Lindsay Collins returns to the side and is named on the bench. Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui moves to prop to replace Christian Welch, who is out with a season-ending achilles injury. Following his strong performance at hooker in Game Three last year, Ben Hunt has again been named to start at hooker with Harry Grant listed on the bench. Cowboys trio Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi and Thomas Dearden have all been named among the reserves as the Maroons look to win back the Ampol State of Origin shield following their 2-1 series defeat in 2021. Queensland team for Game One Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights) Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos) Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys) Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights) Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm) Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm) Daly Cherry-Evans, capt. (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans) Ben Hunt (St. George-Illawarra Dragons) Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders) Kurt Capewell (Brisbane Broncos) Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm) Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys) Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm) Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters) Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos) Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys) Thomas Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys) Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Thomas Flegler (Brisbane Broncos) Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (North Queensland Cowboys) Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)

33 candidates will contest for the Gazelle Open seat in East New Britain Province following the close of nominations last Thursday. Gazelle Open Returning Officer John Wartovo said the 33 includes 30 males and 3 females, adding the order of draw has also been done. “14 candidates are endorsed by political parties and 19 are running as independent,” Mr Wartovo said. Sitting MP Jelta Wong is running under United Resource Party while former MP Malakai Tabar is running under the National Alliance Party. Meanwhile he said campaign activities have kicked started in the electorate and so far no major incidence has been reported.

National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu has called on intending candidates contesting the NCD Open electorates and the NCD Regional seat to show exemplary behaviour during their campaigning for the 2022 National General Elections during this time. He made the call to them during the order of draw after the closing of nominations late last week. “I expect you all as leaders and show maturity and be the model to others right throughout the country,” Mr Ikumu said. “I do not expect the kind of behaviour seen in various parts of the country to be happening here in the city.” He called on them to have control over their supporters and campaign coordinators to ensure law and order issues are minimized and controlled. “Police are not here to attack anyone, we want to work together with you all to ensure we have a fair, free and safe elections.” He said so far no arrests were made by police but if people defiantly refuse to comply with the laws, police will not hesitate to arrest the candidates for aiding, abetting and inducing such illegal activities.

An independent candidate contesting the Rigo open seat in the Central Province called on the people of Rigo to choose leaders and not politicians as the country’s 11th general election heats up and progresses towards polling. Dickson Guina, a former Department Secretary for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, told supporters during his nomination that this country has had politicians running the country over the years hence the lack of basic services. “A politician wants to come back in five years and thinks about the ‘hand-out’ mentality. I am not going to do hand-outs. I want to bring services to the people.” He said leaders have a vision, leaders have a passion, and leaders have a dream for change. He said the Rigo District has not seen changes because our leaders don’t have the passion, vision and dreams. “I have a dream; I want to see that Rigo is a changed district. And for that reason, I put my hand up to contest.” He reiterated his stand on the hand-out mentality saying he was not going to give free hand- outs, rather empower the people to have money in their pockets through key enablers. He said Rigo was now at the cross-roads and failing to make informed decisions come polling would result in the district continuing to starve of changes and tangible services. “Every ward, every LLG, every district in this country has a potential, but we have not tapped into those potentials.” He said when elected, he will ensure that Rigo District utilizes its full potential in terms of land, agriculture, tourism, human resources, and businesses. Mr. Guina said Rigo people have been deprived of their rights to development for the past 46 years. “I want to make sure that every Rigo person has a right to development, that our children are the best in terms of knowledge, that Rigo communities are smart to attract tourism,” concluded Mr Guina. [audio mp3="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Dickson-Guina-1.1.mp3"][/audio]  

The people of Takis ward in the Gazelle District of East New Britain will now have access to health care services following the opening of a new aidpost today. The new Takis Aid Post in the Lassul Baining LLG is expected to serve almost 2, 000 people in the area as well as communities in Panarapka, KKCL employees and the plantation workers with their families. The new level two aid post was built at a cost of K70, 000 under the Gazelle Development Authority budget and was officially opened by Gazelle MP and Health Minister Jelta Wong and the Gazelle DDA Board. Mr Wong said people have struggled for decades to access health services and now have a new health facility. “With health services at their door steps, it will reduce statistics on mothers dying due to birth complications and elderly people dying from curable diseases,” Mr Wong said. The facility was constructed by local company Atlu Civil Construction and designed and supervised by technical officers of the Gazelle District Administration.