07 July 2022
The Pacific Islands Forum is among a number of international election observers currently in Papua New Guinea to observe its 2022 General Elections.
At the invitation from the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Islands Forum has deployed a small team that will observe polling and counting in the National Capital District and the Central Province.
Under the 2000 Biketawa Declaration, the Pacific Islands Forum is committed to promoting and upholding the principles of good governance across its Membership. Forum Election Observer Missions are a cornerstone of this work.
“Papua New Guinea’s consistent invitations to the Pacific Islands Forum and other observers to scrutinize its general elections clearly illustrates Papua New Guinea’s steadfast commitment to good governance and democracy as we support each other to nurture this fundamental pillar of modern Pacific life.” said Secretary General Henry Puna.
The Electoral Commission has declared that polling of the election will start on 4th - 11th July and that respective counting immediately thereafter with the goal to return 118 writs to the Governor General by 29 July. It is expected that the party with the majority will be invited by the Governor General to form Government in early August.
A total of 3,493 candidates, 3,351 male and 142 female will contest the 22 provincial seats and 96 open seats, including 7 new electorates.
[ENDS]
Media Contact:
Lisa Lahari-Williams - lisaw@forumsec.org
