By CHARLIE DUMAVI
THE long awaited Port Moresby North-West By-election order of draw for the 41 intending candidates has been successfully conducted yesterday signaling the start of the six-week long campaign period.
Returning Officer (RO) Desmond Tamiyaso conducted the order of draw in the presence of the police and all 42 candidates including members of the media at the National Capital District Electoral Commission (NCD EC) Office in Boroko.
Prior to the order of draw all candidates were allowed to sign the Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) in order for them to agree that they will abide by the COVID-19 rules and regulations within the duration of the by election.
This means any candidates who fails to adhere to the SOP will be charged under the Pandemic Act 2020 and other necessary guidelines stipulated under the SOP.
However, former Chief Justice and candidate for Moresby North-West by-election Sir Arnold Amet is not happy with the duration given to the candidates to campaign.
He said according to law the minimum campaign period is eight weeks and the given six weeks is not acceptable.
“This is inconsistent with the Organic Law. The minimum campaigning period is eight weeks. If I were to take it to court, the court will direct it for us to get eight weeks.
“I raised this as a matter of principle, however with the long period of delay so we will embrace it,” Sir Arnold Amet said.
Mr Tamiyaso while responding to Sir Arnold’s concerns stated that the Acting Electoral Commission Simon Sinai has already come out to the media and addressed the issue.
He urged the candidates to work as a team for the people to see and choose whoever they want to vote.
“The polling period is two weeks starting on June 2, 2021 and I want understanding to be amongst you candidates. Work together so the people will at least vote in a leader,” the RO said.
He said there will be two weeks polling period across Moresby North-West electorate; therefore it is flexible for adjustment if unfortunate situations arise.
The prolonging of the election saw candidates turn up at NCD EC office with their supporters to witness the drawing.
However, only the candidates were allowed into the premises while the rest of the supporters were kept outside until the draws were done.
2021 Moresby North-West By-Election Candidates order of draw
| BOX | CANDIDATE NAME | BOX | CANDIDATE NAME | BOX | CANDIDATE NAME |
| 10 | Korowa Pokeya | 24 | Leo Maurice Levo | 38 | Jackson Kiakari |
| 11 | Michael Badui | 25 | Peter Apa | 39 | Ronney Tengere |
| 12 | Wanpis Henry | 26 | Nisia Limbao | 40 | Francis Niel Tanga |
| 13 | Ross Oro Miva | 27 | Michael Oki | 41 | Kapi Malipu |
| 14 | Jenop Samo | 28 | Banjamin Michael Loi | 42 | Pala Bond Gaudi |
| 15 | Philip Wariniki | 29 | Andy Nentipa | 43 | Leslie Aku |
| 16 | John Endemongo Kua | 30 | Joe Tonde | 44 | Martin Piason |
| 17 | Walter Yangomini | 31 | Newman Pilyo F Maeokali | 45 | Gabriel Pepson |
| 18 | Thaddeus Kambanei | 32 | Bob Siape | 46 | Andrew Kulai Tambiri |
| 19 | Enoch Lepatu | 33 | Cyril Rembame Ame | 47 | Vincent Charklin .A. Pingi |
| 20 | Sengol .A. Parkop | 34 | Emmanuel Issac | 48 | Sir Arnold Amet |
| 21 | Anna Kavana Bais | 35 | Paul Peter Masta | 49 | Segie Otio |
| 22 | Lohia Boe Samuel | 36 | Togaro Asiba | 50 | Lapan Lims Mirupasi |
| 23 | Darryl Kamen | 37 | Joshua Enock Tami Bui | 51 | Zechariah Yakop |
