NEC approves K10,000 nomination fees, reduces campaign period

The National Executive Council has approved three major legislative changes proposed for the 2017 National elections.
Electoral Commissioner Patalias Gamato told  NBC News today, the approval is for nomination fees, campaign period and election petitions.
Cabinet has approved the proposal to increase the nomination fees from K1,000 to K10,000, reduce the campaign period from the usual 8 to only 4 weeks, and increase fees to file election petitions from K5,000 to K20,000.
The nomination fee for ward councilors is also proposed to be increased from K200 to K1,000.
Mr. Gamato says, the proposed changes are expected to be tabled in Parliament early next year for a vote to be taken.
"Those decisions are made by the NEC.
"After the NEC makes this decision it goes through legal drafting, before it goes to Parliament to vote on the amendments to the law."
If Parliament approves the bill, the dates for the issue of writs will also see a slight change.
The Opposition has been protesting these proposals, saying they are unconstitutional, because they will restrict the rights of ordinary Papua New Guineans who want to stand for public office. NBC News / PNG Today