Campaigns underway for Kabwum by-election

Campaigns are now in full swing for candidates contesting the Kabwum District by-election, which will run for 80 days, ending on July 11.

Polling is scheduled to begin the following day, on July 12.

A total of 11 candidates were nominated as of the close of nominations on Thursday, April 24.

Kabwum by-election comes after a two-year vacancy in the district’s parliamentary seat, which was left unfilled following the destruction of ballot papers during the 2022 National Elections.

Among the nominees is Patrick Basa, who was previously declared elected under “Special Circumstances” by Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai.

He will contest from Box 10. The other candidates include Nashon Mainuwe Fanamu [Box 11], James Owa [Box 12], Noreo Giogi Keindip [Box 13], Aling Kupok [Box 14], Zerie Nema Ziwe [Box 15], Sates Wani [Box 16], Sebastian Thomas Singery [Box 17], Graffy Hataba [Box 18], and James Zoriong [Box 19].

Rounding out the list is Haring Qoreka [Box 20], the petitioner whose legal challenge led to the current by-election after the “Special Circumstances” ruling was overturned in court.

Morobe Election Manager Simon Soheke told NBC News that arrangements are in place to deploy additional security from both the police and the PNG Defence Force once polling begins.

However, he urged all candidates to maintain peace and respect throughout the campaign period.

“Your district has been without a leader for 2 years and I’m appealing to all you candidates to coporate and be vigilant in your campaigns, all the way to the polling booth in a show of true leadership and let your people vote who they want to represent them in parliament,” he said.

He also addressed recent rumors about disruptions in the election process, stating that the by-election has proceeded smoothly so far.