The intenting LLG presidential candidates and the voters for the 330 seats around the country are still in darkness whether the former will be elected by the ward councillors or the voters (people).
The method of election for the 330 Local Level Government (LLG) presidents nationwide has not been decided yet in light of looming elections in four months’ time.
Seeking a clarification on this matter during Question Time in Parliament this morning, Western Highlands Governor, Wai Rapa, a former LLG member himself, asked the Provincial and LLG Affairs Minister Eoe Soroi to shed a light on the subject.
In response, Minister Soroi told Parliament that the method of electing the presidents this election had not been concluded yet.
The methods are electing the presidents by ward councillors or by the people, he said.
During a Governors’ conference, he said, it was resolved that the provincial governments have been tasked to recommend to his department which method is convenient for their provinces.
He continued that his department would submit the most preferred method of election to the Cabinet, based on their recommendations, for approval and then advise the PNG Electoral Commission and Governor-General accordingly.
The PNG Electoral Commission is planning to conduct the elections.
The Provincial and LLG Affairs Minister, Soroi Eoe reiterated in Parliament dates for the 2024 Local Level Government (LLGs) Elections:
- Issue of Writs on Thursday 27th, June 2024;
- Nomination closes on July 3rd, 2024;
- Polling starts on Saturday 27th August 2024;
- Polling ends on Friday 6th, September 2024; and,
- Return of Writs on or before Thursday 27th of September 2024.