Funding woes delay LLG election preparations

Funding delays have prolonged the PNG Electoral Commission from carrying out ward roll updates for the 2024 Local Level Government Elections.

Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said the electoral roll voter enrolment exercise is scheduled to be rolled out this month, pending availability of funds.

“The Electoral Commission is still waiting for funding from the responsible authorities to fully implement this program,” Sinai said.

“Timely allocation of funds is important for a good ward roll update for the 2024 LLG election.”

Mr. Sinai said planning and preparation for the 2024 LLG elections is ongoing with regular consultations with key stakeholders who will be assisting in delivering the election.

“The Electoral Commission has commenced its planning and preparation for the 2024 LLG election since last year through its regular consultation with different key stakeholders which we will rely on to assist in delivering a successful outcome of the upcoming election,” Sinai said.

“One of the key stake holders is the Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs who will play a crucial role in terms of cost sharing, providing advisory and logistical support, and also to make sure that the proclamation of the new wards and LLGs are gazette on time before the new electoral roll update and polling begins.

“The PNGEC’s overall election implementation plan starts with consultation with key stakeholders, planning and budgeting, training and educational awareness, and voter enrolment update,” he said.

He stressed that electoral officers need to be trained and equipped with the right information, resources and funding to carry out the voter enrolment update in accordance with the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government elections.