PNGEC awaits funding to conduct by-election for Samarai-Murua

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato says timely approval and release of funding by the National Government will allow the Electoral Commission to conduct a by-election for the vacant Samarai-Murua Open seat.

“I want to reiterate that the Electoral Commission has a mandatory duty to conduct a by-election for Samarai-Murua under section 106 of the Constitution; however, funding is an issue.”

“I have written to the Prime Minister requesting for an estimated K4.5 million to conduct a by-election for Samarai-Murua and we are awaiting response,” he said.

Mr. Gamato explained that though he had announced that there would be no by-election due to time factor and funding issues. However, if it is practicable in terms of funding then the Commission is duty bound to conduct a by-election as required and provided for under Section 106 of the Constitution and the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections.