Nomination period for LLG and by-elections extended

Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai has announced an extension to the nomination period for the Local Level Government [LLG] elections and scheduled by-elections across the country.

The initial closing date of Thursday, 1st May 2025 has now been extended by seven days, with nominations to close at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 8th May 2025.

The decision to extend the period was made in response to widespread bad weather conditions affecting parts of the country, which have hindered the ability of intending candidates to travel and access nomination services. Compounding the issue is the limited access to banking services, preventing timely payment of nomination fees.

The extension was approved by the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government, Soroi Eoe, following a formal request from the Electoral Commission.

Commissioner Sinai is reminding all intending candidates to pay their nomination fees at the nearest Bank South Pacific branch or agent, and to present the official deposit slip at their respective nomination centre as proof of payment.

Despite the weather disruptions, the Electoral Commission reported a smooth nomination process for by-elections with no major incidents recorded to date. As of Wednesday, 30th April 2025, the nomination figures received are as follows:

Kabwum – 5 candidates

Usino Bundi – 6 candidates

Aitape-Lumi – 5 candidates

Pogera Paiela – 16 candidates

Commissioner Sinai has urged all candidates and their supporters to respect the rule of law and cooperate with electoral officials to ensure a safe, fair, and transparent election.

He stressed that this election would have a zero tolerance on cheating, double voting, and underage voting, warning that strict penalties will apply. Any candidate found guilty of electoral offenses may face disqualification and bans from future elections.