Moresby North-West by-election to use 2017 common roll

By NOBERT KOKE

There will be no new common rolls for the Port Moresby North West electorate by-election, says acting Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai.

He made it clear today in a press conference that the Moresby North-West by-election will use the 2017 common roll.

The acting commissioner also said that people who have their names on the 2017 common roll will be eligible to cast their votes from the wards of Moresby North –West electorate.

The electorate has a population of 90,000 people.

He also announced today that there’s being changes made to the dates of campaign and polling with the nomination closing today (March 4, 2021).

Mr Sinai further states that the former commencement date of polling which is 3^rd April, 2021 has been moved to Saturday May 15, 2021.

He also adds that the last date of polling which is Saturday 17^th April, 2021 has been moved to Saturday 29^th May, 2021.

He would be writing to the Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae notifying him of the changes made to the polling dates.

Mr Sinai said the Writs of the Moresby North-West by-election will be returned to the Government House on Thursday June 10^th and not Thursday 29^th April as earlier announced.

“We have extended the dates because of the sudden passing of our Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and the nationwide mourning of the loss of this indescribable iconic and inspirational leader.

“Port Moresby as a whole will between March 1^st -12^th will honour and pay respect to his passing and of the life he lived, compounded with the recent upsurge of Covid-19 cases  in the city and directions issued by the Controller has warrant the extension of time.

“It now gives enough time for the candidates to do their campaign. By law they should have eight weeks of campaign, so it’s lawful for the extension,” Mr Sinai explained.

He paid tribute to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare on behalf of the PNG Electoral Commission and conveyed his heart felt condolence to Lady Veronica, and kids Bertha, Sana, Arthur, Michael Jnr, and Dulciana.

He asked for the candidates to respect the two weeks of mourning and the one week extension to pay full respect to Grand Chief Sir Michael before any campaign can start.