The East Sepik Provincial Election Office have advised that they are now ready to deliver the 2023 Wewak Open By-Election and are gearing up for the nominations to come in later this week.
The East Sepik Provincial Election Manager & Wewak Open Returning Officer [RO], James Piapia stated that he is ready for the elections with all preparations being done to facilitate the By-Election.
With Seven Assistant Returning Officers [ARO] to assist, they have split the Wewak Electorate into 2 regions, both Zones A & B, this will be to make the job easier and more convenient.
“We have two ARO’s there and then we have, ARO’s for Turubu, Wewak Rural, Boikin, Dagua and Wewak Island. So far, we are prepared, and we are ready.”
Piapia stated that since the Issue of Writs last week [3rd, August 2023] they have received 2 nominations and now are waiting for candidates to come and place their nominations.
He said they are expecting between 10-15 candidates to contest the seat.
“Now we are just opening, and we are expecting nominations to come in.”
“Just by the look of the elections, we are expecting 10 or 15 nominations to come through.”
“We are doing our Wewak Nomination Collection are the Wewak District Office.”
He stated that Wewak is very quiet at this time, but they are very optimistic and are pumped for the By-Elections.
In terms of Security, the RO advised that they had just finished their briefing this morning with the Provincial Police Commander of East Sepik, who advised that he is happy with the amount of funding and the manpower available to run the elections and is readily available to support them.
Piapia added that they have prepared for any situation that may arise during the elections, but he is certain that they will be able to pull through.
“We will obviously have a few hiccups and this and that but we are looking forward to delivering the By-Elections.”