Governor General issues writs for 4 by-elections

At midday today, Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae officially signed the writs for the four vacant electorates during a ceremony at Government House, marking the formal process of the elections for these positions.

These are Porgera-Paiela in Enga, Madang's Usino-Bundi district, Kabwum in Morobe and the Aitape-Lumi electorate in West Sepik.

Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said the Porgera-Paiela and Usino-Bundi seats were left vacant after the incumbent MPs passed away in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

He said Kabwum and Aitape-Lumi seats will go for by-elections as per court orders.

Mr. Sinai urged voters and candidates in the four electorates to show maturity and cooperation to ensure the successful delivery of the elections.

“We want to see candidates to allow to democratic process of voting to take place. We don’t want to destroy ballot boxes and supporters' bullying during polling. People already know who the right leader is to lead them, let them make the choice,” he said.

With the issue of writs done, nominations are now open and will be closed on May 1 with polling scheduled from July 12 to August 1.

By-elections of Dei, Namatani and Central Bougainville to be held at a later date

The Electoral Commissioner further clarified that the by-elections for Dei Open electorate in Western Highlands province, Namatanai Open in New Ireland and Central-Bougainville in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will not go ahead together with the other four seats: Porgera-Paiela, Aitape-Lumi, Kabwum and Usino-Bundi.

Mr Sinai said that the Dei Open seat matter is before the Supreme Court, and a by-election cannot be conducted until the court makes its ruling.

For now, the Electoral Commission is look forward to delivering the safe and fair elections for the four electorates as well as the Local Level Government [LLG] elections.