By CHARLIE DUMAVI
THE prolonging of Moresby North-West (MNW) by-election will finally come to an end today with the introduction of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), a manual designed to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in this by election.
Forty two contending candidates will receive their box numbers this afternoon at 2pm at the National Capital District Electoral office in Boroko.
The unfortunate prolong of this election was in respect to the death of late Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and the increase in Covid-19 cases. However, it is now set to proceed with the order of draw followed by six weeks of campaign period.
The SOP was designed by Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission and was approved by the Covid-19 pandemic controller David Manning.
The SOP copies were issued to the candidates yesterday for them to sign. Once the candidate signs the SOP the candidate will have to comply with the SOP through the duration of the by election. Any breach of the SOP will see the candidate investigated and penalized under the Pandemic Act 2020 and other relevant laws in placed.