By DALCY LULUA
Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai has revealed that the creation of more than 500 new LLG wards and 43 additional Local Level Governments in 14 provinces was the main cause of delays to the 2025 LLG elections.
Mr Sinai explained that the large-scale restructuring placed enormous challenges on provincial election staff, who had to conduct voter realignment exercises to shift voters from existing rolls and create new rolls for the newly proclaimed wards and LLGs.
“This was the main cause of the delay. Though it is not the direct responsibility of PNGEC staff, I am happy that most of the realignment work is complete, with the rolls printed and ready for polling,” he stated.
He further noted that any wards failing to meet the legal requirements, including minimum voter population thresholds, would have their writs withdrawn.
Mr Sinai confirmed that logistics operations were progressing well, with ballot boxes, ballot papers, polling kits, and voting compartments already dispatched to most provinces. “The bulk of the work is done, and we are ready and set for polling,” he assured.
The elections, initially scheduled for 12 July 2025, were deferred by Minister for Provincial and Local Government Affairs Soroi Eoe due to administrative and logistical challenges. Under the revised timetable, polling will run from 27 September to 10 October 2025, with
counting to begin on 11 October. Writs are expected to be returned on or before 17 October 2025.
Mr Sinai apologized to the nation and candidates for the extended delay and urged the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs to be more mindful of timing when approving new ward proclamations, especially so close to an election.