Minister Soroi Eoe, in charge of Provincial and Local Government Affairs, clarified that creating new Local-level Governments (LLGs) and Wards in Papua New Guinea must follow a specific procedure without taking shortcuts. He mentioned instances where courts rejected new LLGs and Wards due to not following proper processes. According to Eoe, the process starts at the LLG level, where the need for new Wards and LLGs is identified, discussed, debated, and approved. If approved at this level, it goes to the provincial assembly for further deliberation and endorsement before reaching the Minister for DPLGA with all required documents. In a statement, he explained that the Minister for DPLGA then submits it to the National Executive Council (NEC) for the final approval. He emphasized the legal requirements and processes outlined in Sections 26, 27, and 28 of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments, 1995. The Minister stressed that any submissions not complying with due process won't be considered. Additionally, submissions for new LLGs and Wards must be made 8-10 months before Election Writs issuance. With the 2024 LLG election preparations underway, new submissions won't be accepted. Eoe noted that approved submissions will go through NEC approval, official proclamation by the Head of State, and Gazette publication. Then, the PNG Electoral Commission will conduct the LLG elections from June 27th to September 27th, 2024.