The PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai says the polling schedule for 2022 National General Elections has been finalized and is ready when polling starts July 4.
He said nearly 6000 polling teams will be deployed throughout the country to conduct polling.
In releasing the final polling schedule report today, Mr. Sinai said polling will commence on the 4th of July 2022 and will be conducted in 6,396 wards covering 346 Local Level Government council areas across the country.
The Commissioner said around 47,704 temporary election workers (TEWs) will be engaged to work with 5,963 polling teams to conduct polling throughout the country.
He said the polling teams have been further broken up in single and multiday polling with 4,119 teams deployed for one day polling and the other 1,844 teams to conduct normal days polling.
The Commissioner said the number of polling teams have been increased to ensure polling is conducted in all scheduled polling places and results delivered within the required within the required time.
According to the schedule report and going by regions, Highlands has the highest with 3,343 polling teams, followed by Southern with 1,144 poll teams and Momase with 966 and New Guinea Islands making up the rear with 510 teams.
He said one day polling will be mainly conducted in the Highlands and in the National Capital District, while there will be one day polling in parts of West Sepik, Madang, Morobe, New Ireland, West New Britain, Bougainville, Western, Central and Milne Bay.
All election materials have been shipped to the provinces since last week to prepare for polling.
“Voting will commence on 4 July 2022 and round 11,022 polling booths will open starting 8am in 9,625 different polling locations around the country. And for the first time, we will have gender split in the polling booths where we will have two separate voting lines for male and female, so everyone gets a chance to cast their votes. We have also made arrangement for those with disabilities to cast their votes.”
“I appeal to all voters; this is your election. Take ownership and make your vote count. Turn up at your respective polling booths and cast your votes.”