ELECTORAL Commissioner Simon Sinai says by-elections for four vacant seats in Parliament will be conducted anytime when funding becomes available.
He said a budget detailing the cost estimates for the four electorates have been submitted to the Finance Department and expressed confidence funds would be released soon to commence the by-elections.
Mr. Sinai said the Commission needs around K20 million to deliver the by-elections at a cost of K5 million per electorate. The affected electorates include Usino-Bundi in Madang, Aitape-Lumi in West Sepik, Dei Council in Western Highlands and Pogera-Paiela in Enga Province.
Mr Sinai assured the public and particularly people from the affected electorates that it is their constitutional right to have a representative in Parliament and Electoral Commission will ensure to conduct the by-elections for the respective electorates once the funding is released.
“With the deferral of the local government elections, we can use the time to conduct the by-elections in the last quarter of this year or early next year. Our staff are prepared and ready to deliver as they have done with the first five successful by-elections,” he said.
The first five successful by-elections following the 2022 general elections include Wewak and Maprik in East Sepik province, North Bougainville in Autonomous region of Bougaiville, Lagaip in Enga province and Sohe in Oro Province.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sinai said the Motu-Koita Assembly elections will be held together with the by- elections as it operates under its own law.
“Until such time, the laws are reviewed to reflect the changes and recommendations by the Electoral Boundaries Commission to create a separate open electorate for Motu-Koitabuans which will come into the 2027 general elections. The status quo remains,” he said.
