The constituents of the Moresby Northwest electorate in the National Capital District (NCD) should see a by election held in the coming months for the vacant seat following the death of the late member, Sir Mekere Morauta.
That was the indication from the Acting Papua New Guinean (PNG) Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Simon Sinai, when giving a brief update on election matters in the country.
“The Moresby Northwest Electorate by election dates would be set for February or March and announce soon after the mourning period fades in the next few weeks,” said the Acting Electoral Commissioner.
However, the timing of this by election will be questioned by many as 2022 is just next year and the National Election will be around mid- 2022. But, to put the questions to rest, the PNG Electoral Commission said there is still time for a new Member to take the seat.
According to the Electoral Commission, it is by law that after the 24th of July 2021, a by- election will not be on the cards because the date will by then mark 12 more months to go before the Writs are issued for the 2022 National General Election.
This simply means that no by election will take place after that date because there will not be enough time available for a sitting member to do anything much for the constituents before the National Election.