Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mr Simon Sinai clarified yesterday that Writs for 2022 National Elections were issued last Thursday (12/05/22) but nominations will be taken starting today (19/05/22) throughout the country and its starts at 8am.
“Let me reaffirm what I said earlier; the writs for the 2022 National Elections have now been issued by the Governor General, H.E Sir Bob Dadae as of Thursday 12th May 2022, thus formally kick-starting the election process.”
“But out of respect for the tragic and unexpected passing of Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the United Labour Party, the late Sam Basil. ULP is a major coalition partner in the current government and we had to give them time to reorganise themselves because they are part and parcel of our election process and the passing of their leader has affected their preparations and we had to be fair to them.” he said.
Mr Sinai said Returning Officers will start taking nominations from tomorrow (19th/05/22) onwards starting at 8am.
“The close of nomainations will therefore be at 4:00pm on Thursday 26th May 2022, seven (7) days after the nominations.” Mr Sinai said.
Chief Commissioner Sinai said writs have also been dispatched to all provinces and their respective nominations will begin as soon as the Returning Officers and their officials receive them.
Mr Sinai said polling would start on 2 July and end on 22 July 2022 with the Return of Writs expected from 23-29 July 2022.
“Let me reassure our people, the various political parties and candidates, stakeholders and everyone else that the National Elections are on schedule to be delivered as per the requirements of the Constitution and the Organic Law on the conduct of this national event.”
“I am confident that by working together, we will deliver a fair and just elections result that our country expects and deserves,” he said.