PNG Elections : Northern polling officials stranded
Northern provincial election steering committee chairman, Trevor Magei has called on the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) to release funds to airlift stranded polling officials and materials to remote areas.
Magei, who is also Oro administrator made the call following no support from PNGEC as polling officials and teams remain stranded in Popondetta.
He said majority of polling teams were still grounded as there was no definite response from PNGEC to airlift them remote to areas.
“I have received reports from Kira, Tamata, Kokoda and Tufi Local Level Governments that polling officials are still stranded.
“This is the national elections and I need definite responses from the electoral commission as to when air support will come.”
Magei, a former kiap, who also served as returning officer and assistant returning office for Northern, said he won’t allow polling teams to walk as there was no time or contingencies to do so.
“Our other dilemma is the fact that major payments for provincial election service providers are all hauled up at the Ombudsman Commission”
“Provincial administrations should not be hampered in functioning during the elections.
“Front line workers including security personnel and polling teams do not have rations as we can’t pay suppliers.”
“PNGEC needs to step up and enable polling teams to effectively deliver a transparent and fair election.”
Magei said the Ombudsman Commission must consider the consequences of their decision to halt and hamper genuine payments raised by respective government agencies for election related operations.
Meanwhile, polling in Northern started on July 4 as scheduled and the new Popondetta Open electorate was the first to complete polling on Friday.
Statement
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