The fate of the Local Level Government (LLG) elections rests with the Minister for Provincial and Local Government Affairs, according to the Electoral Commission.
The Commission was responding to a media statement by the Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere, which announced the deferral of the LLG elections.
Minister Masere said the decision was made following concerns raised by leaders in government forums about clashes between the election schedule and the national examinations for Grades 8, 10 and 12 students.
According to Mr Masere, two separate meetings were convened with key government agencies — including the Acting Prime Minister, the Ministers for Education and Police, the Chief Secretary, State Solicitor, and the Electoral Commissioner — to find a solution.
The LLG elections were initially scheduled for 27 September to 17 October, while national examinations are set for 6 to 24 October. The overlap sparked fears that both events could disrupt each other.
Mr Masere explained that while LLG elections are a constitutional requirement, the government could not overlook the education needs of students.
“It was important to consider the exam dates, the marking process, and the selection to higher learning institutions. Any delay in exams would have ripple effects that could negatively impact our children and their future,” he said.
In response, a senior Electoral Commission official stressed that while the Commission is tasked with facilitating the polls, the elections fall under the mandate of the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLLGA).
“The PNG Electoral Commission is playing a facilitating role for the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs to deliver this election. It is not our election, so if there is going to be a delay, then the Minister for Provincial and Local Government Affairs should be the appropriate person to make that call,” the official said.
The official added that preparations for polling were advanced and the Commission was ready to proceed.
“As it is, we have advanced preparations for polling. Can’t stop the elections. We are going with the polling come 27 September.”
The Commission expressed frustration, noting that significant funds and resources had already been committed to preparations nationwide.
The official also clarified that under the Local Level Government Administration Act, responsibility for setting or adjusting election dates was with the Minister for Provincial and Local Government Affairs, who was the legal authority to make such decisions.
Meanwhile, the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs is expected to issue a press statement tomorrow to clarify the matter.
I suggest we deffer the election because lot more parents I’ll be with their children during exams leaving the wards they suppose to vote and even some school age are eligible to vote will be missing out in exercising the freedom of choosing their leaders.
Also the the independence anniversary and national exams are fix time scheduled in the Government calendar While election is just disturbing.It supposed to be held lon time ago.So simply deffer .
Comments are closed.