The Acting Papua New Guinea (PNG) Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Simon Sinai, made it clear this week that there is enough time available to hold by elections this year, like a by election for the Moresby Northwest seat left vacant following the death of the late Sir Mekere Morauta.
However, Mr. Sinai clarified that it is only after July this year that no more by elections will be held before the next National Election in 2022.
“The law forbids me not to go beyond 24th July 2021, which is exactly one year before the next issue of Writs. So, we have until July 24th to run any by election that comes on now, after that we will not do anything.”
Meanwhile, the residents of the Moresby Northwest electorate should expect things to start rolling for the by election sometime next week.
According to Mr. Sinai, he should issue the Writ for the by election next week.
The PNG Electoral Commission is looking at about K3million to K4million to run the by election and is currently working to secure the funding.