44 parties to contest in PNG general election

A total of 44 political parties will contest the Papua New Guinea general election, Registrar of Political Parties Dr Alphonse Gelu says.

But this could increase to 45 if objections to a party’s establishment are rejected, he said.

“Depending very much on when the (Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates) commission will meet, that will bring the number up to 45,” Gelu told The National.

“That is one of the issues that the commission has to decide and deliberate on before the issue of writs (on April 20).”

Gelu said the registry had been working well with political parties since the 2012 general election through workshops.

He said they discussed areas such as the revision of policies and party constitutions.

“It will be through membership that parties will be able to generate revenue through fees,” Gelu said.

“We’ve worked with them on their party structures, enhancing the relationship between the parliamentary wing and the non-parliamentary wing, and ensuring constant communication within individual parties.”.
SOURCE: THE NATIONAL/PACNEWS/PNG Today