PNGEC urged to get preparations for 2017 general elections in time

"Time is of Essence and all election plans for each provinces along with implementation schedules has to be finalised now."

That's the word from PNG Electoral Commissioner Sir Andrew Trawen this morning when officially opening the final quarter workshop for Election Managers and Assistant Election Managers at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby.

Sir Andrew stated that the 2016 National Budget has seen a drop in the funding for the PNGEC which has seen K10million being allocated to the commission for it to do its preparation work for the 2017 elections.

"This is a drop in the ocean," said Mr Trawen.

"This will now cause the PNGEC to readjust its plans and programs in its preparation for the general elections and it also pose a question to us to whether or not the national government is serious about running of elections in the country," hen said.

Mr Trawen also pointed out that this will now cause the electoral commission to readjust meaning that it old ways of going out to LLGs in getting eligible voters registered on electoral rolls will be done away with.

"Now we want you the eligible voters to make it your business to take ownership of the elections and come forward to your nearest electoral commission offices and register yourself so that you also take part in the 2017 elections," said Mr Trawen.

PNG Electoral Commissioner has also challenged his officers in the Electoral Commission’s Awareness branch to come up with an effective awareness strategy to stimulate voter registration that will also help in the electoral cleansing exercise.

Furthermore, after serving the country for the last 14 years as the Chief Electoral Commissioner for PNG Electoral Commission, Sir Andrew Trawen will officially retire from active Public Service duties this week Friday.

He also made this announcement this morning when officially opening the final quarter workshop for Election Managers and Assistant Election Managers here in Port Moresby.

Sir Andrew encouraged electoral officials to remain focus on their planning and preparations for the 2017 National General Elections for which he will be observing from a distant to see that their discussions are implemented accordingly.

With the theme "Prepare & Plan towards Improving the Conduct of 2017 General Election in Partnership with Key Stakeholders", the workshop started today and will end on Wednesday this week.

PNGFM/PNG Today