Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council and Chairman of the Inter-Departmental Election Committee, Ivan Pomaleu, has urged departments to work closely with the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission, to deliver a successful 2022 national general elections. Secretary Pomaleu made this call during the weekly IDEC meeting yesterday (01/06/22) morning. “Our main task is to support the Electoral Commission with whatever assistance we can provide.” He told departments concerned, including Prime Minister and National Executive Council, National Planning & Monitoring, Justice & Attorney-General, Treasury, Finance, Information & Communications Technology, Royal PNG Constabulary, National Intelligence Organisation, PNG Defence Force, Government Printing Office, Provincial & Local Government Affairs, Personnel Management, PNG Transparency International, Correctional Services and National Research Institute, to support the overall mandate of the PNG Electoral Commission. Secretary Pomaleu reiterated Prime Minister James Marape’s call for public servants who have been assigned to assist the PNG Electoral Commission, to deliver a corruption-free, fair and safe elections through positive messaging. Secretary Pomaleu said that the election messaging should be exact, factual and timely to enhance stakeholders’ knowledge of this important event. Secretary Pomaleu reinforced the Prime Minister’s concern for voters to cast their votes without fear and intimidation. As of yesterday (01/06/22), the number of male candidates throughout the country stands at 3351, whilst female candidates stand at 142, bringing the total nominations to 3493. The number of candidates may slightly change when the latest figures become available.