21 candidates have been nominated to contest the West New Britain Regional seat following the closing of nominations last Thursday. West New Britain Provincial Returning Officer Emily Kelton said the 21 candidates consists of 20 males and 1 female candidate. “9 of them are endorsed by political parties while 12 are contesting as independent candidates,” she said. “The party endorsed candidates include sitting Governor Sasindran Muthuvel running under Pangu Party, former Police Commissioner Gari Baki under People’s National Congress Party, Mark Lebong under National Alliance, John Mondo under PNG Party, Daniel Kanau under United Labour Party, Willie Edo under Liberal Party, Celine Uma under People’s Action Party, Leonard Biage Gawa under Our Development Party, Damien Wamil Dawson under Indigenous Liberation Party.” Among the independent candidates is the former Director Planning, Information & Coordination at WNB Provincial Health Authority Dennis Parisan. Kelton said the order of draw has already been done and campaign activities have commenced in the province.