PNG to introduce Electronic Voting System in 2022

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says his government is committed to introduce electronic voting into PNG's election system by 2022.

Papua New Guinea had once before used the first-past-the-post election system, but replaced it with the Limited Preferential Voting system since the 2007 national election.

However, the government is still concerned that the LPV system is still not effective enough.

The Rigo MP, Lekwa Gure, asked Mr O'Neill, in Parliament, if his government, under its Medium Term Development Plan, was serious enough to introduce electronic voting system anytime soon.

Mr O'Neill responded saying PNG is looking to adopt the electronic voting system from India.

A team of Indian election officials have already showcased the system to government members and officials, and most recently, government and PNG Electoral Commission officials traveled to India to witness the system at work during the country's election.

Mr O'Neill says the government is committed to using electronic voting in the coming election.

"As government we are committed to that.

"We are awaiting advise from the Electoral Commission.

"Our aim is that we will try to start the implementation process, especially getting the voter registration done starting this year.

"We start early so the integrity of the system is tested and that people are able to have confidence in the system that we are going to introduce.

"I think the electronic voting system is the way to go so that we can have a free and fair election in our country," Mr O'Neill said.

NBC News/PNG Today