WARD 11 Councillor in Waria Local Level Government (LLG), Wau Waria District, Morobe Province expressed his delight that for the first time they can vote in an elected representative to the National Parliament after the successful insertion of a new electorate this year before elections. Councillor Moses Sega said for the first time Wau Waria people were able to cast their votes to elect their new member of parliament to represent the latest district in the province. "Campaign and polling went well in the area without any disturbances," "We only experienced minor issues on missing names on the common roll book but overall polling went smoothly, " "We have 210 eligible voters but only 190 voters voted," "Only few people did not have their names to vote which I am part of the voters who did not vote," Sega said. He said he has served as Councillor for two terms (Ten years) and voted for three Election periods but this time he discovered his name was not in the roll book to cast vote. Polling still continues in Wau Waria District.

As the country heads into the fifth day of polling, Commissioner of Police David Manning has appealed to the people of Papua New Guinea for their continued support and cooperation in delivering the 2022 National General Election. News from around the country have been mixed, with some reporting quiet and peaceful polling whilst others reported instances of attempted hijacking of the election process as reported in Hela and the Enga Province. To members of the security forces, Mr Manning said, “This is a test for all of us. We do not have the luxury nor the option to give up. Be assured we are doing our level best to maintain the electoral process. We have many servicemen and women who believe in our country and are committed patriotic Papua New Guineans. “We will push on and fill aspects of the electoral operations that have or are failing. Trust each other, support each other and put our faith in God our Father.” Prime Minister James Marape was declared member-elect for Tari-Pori last week. Counting for Hela continues today. Acting PPC Hela-CIP Robin Bore has reported that so far there have been no issues of concern regarding counting in Hela. PPC Southern Highlands Province Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen said his province is ready for polling today. PPC WHP-Supt John Sagom said security forces in the province are ready for the polling scheduled for Wednesday July 13, 2022. Roll-over teams will be inserted into 334 polling areas. PPC Chimbu Supt David Warap said his province is also ready for polling. They have QRF units, a Mobile Squad, and a PNGDF platoon monitoring the situation as they await polling on Friday 15 July. He is satisfied with manpower capacity which he said is enough to insert 200 men into each of the districts to cover the polling areas. Over to Border Command, Assistant Commissioner Peter Philips is happy with security arrangements in his command thus far. PPC South & North Fly, Chief Inspector Silva Sika said polling in the Western province started last Tuesday and is progressing well. No election related violence and election is running smoothly in the four electorates (South, North, Delta & Middle Fly). He said some places completed their polling but other places needed air transport and are yet to be airlifted due to bad weather conditions. PPC West Sepik Chief Inspector Joe Poema said polling went smoothly but partially completed in West Sepik. Bad weather in remote areas such as Telifomin has prevented teams from being flown in. Polling in Aitape is expected to end today or tomorrow. For the New Guinea Islands Region polling is said to be generally quiet and peaceful with no election related problems. New Ireland Province PPC Felix Nebanat said polling for the Namatanai Open was completed and all ballot boxes locked away for counting. Polling for the Kavieng Open seat was not held on Saturday as one of its areas, Musau Island, is predominantly a Seventh Day Adventist community. Polling was held for the island community on Sunday instead and completed. Counting for NIP is expected to begin today. For Manus Province PPC Chief Inspector Kiweri Kesambi said polling commenced late on July 6, and was all quiet with no problems so far. They are waiting for news from Aua and Vuvulu LLGs as there is no telephone reception with these two Islands so updates are not forthcoming. The officials are now waiting for the return of Naval Ship Ted Diro which will bring in the ballot boxes from those two LLG. Counting is expected to begin on Wednesday or Thursday this week. Polling for East New Britain is likely to be completed this week with counting expected to begin immediately. No major election related incidents. However, of concern was in Pomio as polling teams had to walk long distances to conduct polling and some officers fell ill and had sore feet. Request was made for the airlift of a security personnel who could not walk. West New Britain Province was also quiet and peaceful. The only incident in the province worth mentioning was in Talasea Ward 1 where supporters of Candidate John Tuka wanted to vote in place of deceased persons thus creating a little bit of tension but police were able to have it under control.

An inspired Baby Broncos outfit turned on the afterburners to rack up a 32-18 win over the Dragons on a pulsating Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium. Celebrating 30 years since the club’s breakthrough 1992 Premiership victory and with that champion team watching on, a Broncos outfit missing nine first-team regulars showed outstanding resilience and scintillating flair to stretch their winning streak at Suncorp Stadium to six games this season in front of 29,234 fans. There wasn’t a bad player for the home team but leading the way were Kobe Hetherington (137 metres run from 15 runs and 37 tackles), Kotoni Staggs (two tries, 134 metres run, three line breaks), and Tesi Niu (Try, 145 metres run, try assist, two line break assists, five tackle busts). Winger Delouise Hoester (two tries and 137 metres run) and debutant backrower Zac Hosking (143 metres run from 17 runs, four tackle breaks, 28 tackles) were also outstanding. It was a Broncos side missing nine of its first-choice players due to Origin duties and injury – Kurt Capewell, Selwyn Cobbo, Pat Carrigan, Corey Oates and Tom Flegler all with the Maroons, while injuries ruled out Payne Haas (shoulders), Te Maire Martin (ribs), Corey Jensen (calf) and Herbie Farnworth (biceps). There were fireworks from the start as Dragons forward Tariq Sims was sinbinned in the third minute for a late and high shot on Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds - and the home team capitalised when they shifted the ball left for Brenko Lee to offload despite the attention of three tacklers to Delouise Hoeter who  drove over low to score his first NRL try and a 4-0 lead. Reynolds was hit late and high again soon after by Dragons hooker Andrew McCullough who was put on report as the Broncos continued to pile the pressure on the Dragon defence without being able to finish off a host of chances. The visitors hit back in the 16th minute when they got a piggyback downfield off the back of a Broncos penalty and Cody Ramsey sliced through on the left edge and sped away to score. Zac Lomax converted from the touchline to give his side a 6-4 lead. And the home side forged further ahead in the 55th minute when Hetherington cut through the middle on the halfway and offloaded to a flying Niu who in turn passed to Mam who sped away to score next to the posts. Reynolds converted for a 26-12 lead. Kotoni Staggs finished the scoring in the 59th minute to capitalise a memorable Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Broncos.com.au

The Inter-Departmental Election Committee (IDEC) has defended the government’s electoral process amidst frustrations and disappointments expressed by Papua New Guinean voters during polling, and called for peace and calm. Chairman of IDEC and Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, Ivan Pomaleu, says against all odds, election officials were able to conduct safe and free elections throughout most parts of the country, during this COVID-19 pandemic. “I commend the hard working election officials for your devotion and commitment during this time. Despite confronting challenges, you were able to oversee and conduct polling peacefully.” Mr. Pomaleu stressed that Papua New Guinea had encountered similar challenges in recent elections, especially during polling process, however, added, citizens did not expect such issues of breaching the election process during the week, could suppress their freedom to exercise their voting rights. “I believe in our election processes as trustworthy and can be adjusted to suit the wishes of those involved in the election, but to continue with the uncalled deferral of polling is beyond one’s comprehension.” Mr. Pomaleu said those election officials were entrusted to move the election forward however, it was unfortunate they had to stand down, just over their emotions that the election process and the system have been interfered with. “There are even bigger irregularities in voting that are more serious elsewhere around the world, resulting in protests and burning of properties, but in Papua New Guinea, just because the election process was interfered with, how is it possible for officials to jeopardize polling by resigning and deferring voting.” Mr. Pomaleu added that despite that incident, polling in NCD was conducted peacefully in Moresby North-West and Moresby South while polling in Moresby North-East will commence today, Monday, 11 July. In other parts of the Highlands region, a small fraction of disgruntled and aggressive supporters of candidates have incited violence during the cause of polling in which State properties have been damaged. “IDEC condemns such actions and calls on the Joint Security Task Force to apprehend the perpetrators.” Chairman Pomaleu has also acknowledged the presence of international observers who have been engaged to support the election process currently underway, and believe the Electoral Commission is being guided by their presence in the country. “In recent elections, there have been bitter disputes about the integrity of our electoral system. “As of now, the country continues to witness these appalling scenes of disturbance and violence, created by a few disgruntled and aggressive people, especially in the Highlands region. “I appeal to candidates and their supporters to ensure their voters are comfortable and not discouraged, while casting their votes, and to display a sense of maturity and responsibility during the cause of polling and to avoid further violence.” Meanwhile, Mr.Pomaleu added that the Government has invested a lot of resources in delivering a safe and secure election, however, he notes with regret, actions by a few disrespectful and warmongering groups of people who are determined to frustrate the election process by destroying State assets. “These violent actions must stop immediately."

Polling in the two districts of Gulf Province of Kerema and Kikori is progressing well according to the Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Jeffrey Lemb. He said out of the nine Local Level Governments (LLGS), they spent the last three days in Kerema Urban and have completed polling there. They have now moved to West Kerema and Kerema Central. Lakekamu LLG is also covered and polling is in progress now. Kotidanga and Kaintiba LLGS are remote places and he says they are waiting for airlift from the PNG Electoral Commission to insert the polling teams and security personnel. He said all the security personnel have been identified to escort ballot boxes and materials up to these remote places that are accessible by air alone. Meanwhile, in Kikori Baimuru all the ballot boxes were escorted on Saturday morning. Polling is expected to be conducted today (Monday 11 July 2022). Mr Lamb said the Gulf Province has had a peaceful and quiet election so far with no major incidents. He said the only complaints which are also being raised around the country are names missing from the common roll. Many eligible voters have missed out on casting their vote and not exercising their constitutional rights. Mr Lemb said this prompted a meeting last Friday with the Gulf Provincial Election Steering committee where the Election Manager allowed for the use of the 2017 common roll because of the numerous complaints received from the voters at the polling booths. Mr Lemb said, “The 2017 common roll was given to us in soft copies so Electoral Commission officials in Kerema are working overtime now to print all the 2017 common roll to go to all the polling booths. “This will be used as a supplementary roll with the 2022 common roll if people don’t find their names on the 2022 roll, then they can check the 2017 common roll." Mr Lemb is confident his 50 regular policemen, extra security forces sent to beef up men power on the ground consisting of 20 NCD contingent, seven members of the Mobile Squad, 12 members of the Water Police, 31 personnel from the PNG Correctional Services and 200 Police Reservists will be able to assist him deliver a safe, fair and free 2022 National General Election.

The SP PNG Hunters have produced an inspired 36-22 win over last year’s grand finalists Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Round 14 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. In picturesque conditions at BMD Kougari Oval on Saturday afternoon, the Hunters embraced the lively Wynnum crowd and their intent was evident from the kick-off. The PNG side worked into attacking field position confidently with just their second possession and looked dangerous with the ball until some resolute Seagulls’ defence forced the first error of the match. Marching upfield themselves in response, it was Wynnum Manly who would go on the attack next. They looked to have scored courtesy of a smooth right edge shift only for Hunters’ backrower Kitron Laka to appear out of nowhere in cover and knock the ball loose over the line, saving a certain try. Discipline was the telling difference between this Hunters’ side and the one that lost to Ipswich last week. The Hunters poured through the middle as their middles consistently bent the line in yardage and got through their sets. A new-look halves pairing of Kingstimer Paraia and Judah Rimbu were allowed to play over the advantage line as a result, kicking smartly to the corners to slowly win field position for their team. With every set the Hunters completed they looked more likely to crack Wynnum’s line, and sure enough when a lock-in defensive set forced a Seagulls error deep in their own half, the Hunters would capitalize with cold efficiency. Targeting the middle, the Hunters compressed Wynnum’s line thanks to Paraia’s work around the ruck before shifting quickly to Rimbu on the left edge. Taking possession in space, Rimbu straightened the attack nicely to drop a charging Laka back against the grain to score in the 11th minute, backing up his try saving effort down the other end to open the scoring for the Hunters. Wynnum Manly were next to score in what was becoming a fierce and seesawing contest. When the Hunters failed to find touch with a penalty kick in yardage, the Seagulls would take advantage of the field position to score through Dredin Sorensen in a carbon copy of heir first attacking raid down that edge. Sorensen wouldn’t be denied by the cover defence twice though, stepping back inside his opposite man to dive over in the right corner. The game quickly settled into the grind, with highlight moments mostly coming in defence. A few crunching shots from the Hunters’ Sylvester Namo and Dilbert Issac on former teammate Epel Kapinias – coming off the bench for Wynnum on Saturday – typified the intent PNG brought to BMD Kougari Oval in Round 14. Neither side looked in danger of conceding next points as both defensive systems held, until Hunters’ hooker Wesser Tenza took the field late in the first half and for immediate effect. Showcasing nice skill and deception from behind the ruck, Tenza passed PNG into good ball as he worked over Wynnum’s middle defence. He would first get lucky when a loose pass hit the deck, taking a friendly bounce for skipper Keven Appo to pluck off his laces and dive over to score, giving PNG a 12-4 lead. Tenza’s next two involvements were less opportunistic. Junior Rop was Tenza’s next target close to the line – collecting a subtle and accurate pass this time from Tenza who was making a mockery of the Seagulls’ ruck defence. Not long after halftime, Tenza again smartly worked his forwards into good field position before some lovely sleight-of-hand and a clever pass put Ila Alu over beside the posts in the 43rd minute, capping off a three try-assist frenzy from Tenza either side of the break. On the back of the momentum Tenza helped to create around the ruck, the Hunters’ right edge came alive. Hunters’ centre Rodrick Tai made multiple half-breaks in the second stanza with his footwork and strength through contact terrorising Wynnums’ edge defence. Sure enough, Tai would bust the line working out his own end in the 46th minute and winger Solo Wane provided the speed and support to turn the half chance into points. With a 30-4 lead midway through the second half, the Hunters’ were perhaps guilty of taking their foot off the pedal. The Seagulls showed great resilience to threaten a late comeback, running in three tries in quick succession to narrow PNG’s lead to eight. The Hunters’ nerve would hold though, absorbing the pressure of a fast-finishing Seagulls’ outfit to eventually force an error in the 76th minute as Wynnum tried to shift it left. Wane would pounce on the loose ball and race 70 metres upfield to seal the result for the Hunters.

As polling wraps up in parts of the country, New Ireland experienced a mostly peaceful polling period, beginning on Monday 5th July, in spite of bad weather, most ground officials performed diligently. In Kavieng there was a slight delay with Kavieng Open Candidates petitioning against an extra 9,899 extra ballot papers outside of the legal ballot papers allocated for Kavieng. But the issue was swiftly resolved at the Kavieng Police Station and polling went ahead around 11am. Incumbent Governor Sir Julius Chan didn’t waste any time, he cast his vote on Monday at Danmirik Primary school, ward 8 of the Matalai LLG. In the central LLG, specifically Kasubio logging road, there were reports of a vehicle carrying ballot papers catching fire, but swift intervention by scrutineers for Byron Chan, John Merebo, James Siat and NA scrutineers helped to save the ballot boxes. The general outlook from all polling locations throughout New Ireland was that there were too many eligible voter names not included in the Electoral rolls. “EC has a lot of catching up to do, and must consider local statistics derived from the village record book which was turned away by the EC,” said Sir J. While Polling officials said the Electoral roll was an updated one to the 2017 roll, it was found that many voters that voted in 2017 could not find their names. There were also instances where names of the dead were still on the electoral roll. However others who registered their names to vote in the recent five years did find their names. “I’m confused? I voted in 2017 and my name isn’t in this electoral roll. My right to vote has been deprived. The Electoral commission has five years to get things right, they should not have any excuses. Where does the huge funding go to? The Elections must be a priority,” said a disappointed Bruno Malazimba from Leon, Djaul Island. Otherwise polling in New Ireland was held in true New Ireland fashion with coffee nights buzzing the night before polling to lift spirits and create a sort of calm and ease. With counting set for next week, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius thanked all New Irelanders for the peaceful polling period, against showers, were great and urged the same spirit of cooperation for the counting period. Counting for the Namatanai Open seat will take place at Stemper Hall, for Kavieng Open Peter ToRot Hall and for the Regional Seat Fisheries College. “Had the EC listened to the Provincial Steering Committee and allowed the work put in by the Provincial Government and reached a legal understanding. One day polling would have gone well. It’s the EC, that has dragged New Ireland into the wrong direction, created uncertainties and frustrated the eligible voters. Depriving my people their rights,” said Sir J. He said a full investigation of the EC should be undertaken. “It certainly had enough money to run a free and fair elections. This is the worst Elections since Independence. For future Elections the Provinces should be given full Autonomy to run their elections, since the EC continues to fail miserably.”

The Divisional Commander for New Guinea Islands (NGI), Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Perou N’Dranou travelled to Manus on Saturday July 9, 2022 to check on the province on its security operations for the 2022 National General Election. Mr N’Dranou has rolled out a weekly visit to all provinces under his command in order to assess situations on the ground and provide assistance accordingly and leadership as required. “I visited New Ireland last week. It is peaceful and they are on track and time. I will be in Manus this week and I’ll visit West New Britain next week,” ACP N’Dranou said. Manus province commenced polling on Wednesday 6th of July 2022 peacefully without any disruption despite the delay and is likely to be this way until polling ends according to Manus Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector (CIP) Kiweri Kesambi. He said Manus is expected to complete polling on Wednesday 13th of July 2022 as per the dates set by the Provincial Electoral Commission Office and may begin counting on the 18th of July 2022. “We are now waiting for our teams to be sent to our Western Islands Aua and Vuvulu. There is no communication reception but from the reports we’ve received the Western Islands have been quiet and we are expecting their return by Tuesday the 12th or Wednesday 13th of July 2022,” PPC Kesambi said.

Pangu Pati Leader and Prime Minister, James Marape, has retained his seat as member for Tari Pori in Hela province after he was declared this afternoon by Tari Pori Returning Officer at 4:00pm. After quality checks were done, Marape polled over 40,900 with the absolute majority set at 30,600 plus votes. Counting for the Tari Pori electorate now official wraps up today following the declaration of the member elect, James Marape. Mr. Marape also thanked the polling officials and the election team on ground for a good job in ensuring everything went smoothly during counting. With these results, Marape is the first to be declared as member elect in the 2022 National General Elections.

The village Inuma in Rigo District of Central province was packed to capacity by voters on Wednesday 06th of July, starting from 10:00am to 6:00pm in the evening, to cast their votes in the 2022 National General Elections for a leader to represent them in parliament. Voters from both the surrounding village and Inuma locals residing in Port Moresby turned up and although most of the people didn’t have their names listed in the common roll, the locals accepted this and allowed for a peaceful voting day. Intending candidate for Rigo Open Mr. Dickson Guina who was there to also cast his vote said, “Today marks a historical event for the small village of Inuma, as voters from Port Moresby traveled home to cast their vote along with the locals.” “Rigo has been struggling over the years since Independence, and today I have cast my vote to tell the Rigo people that I am bringing change and empowering to bring change”. Mr. Guina was the former Secretarty for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs and served in the public sector for over 30 years and worked alongside many prime ministers, minister of government and members of parlaiment as well.  “I am honored to represent my people, people of Rigo, the country and to serve in the country and contribute meaningfully to the development of this country” said Guina. He stressed that the people needed leaders to make changes and has been going around telling his people that as leadership lacks in certain areas, the people need leaders that will lead the nation and the people. “Development can only come if we have leaders; therefore, today, I’m proud to say that all my people (Rigo Coast, Rigo Central, Rigo East and Rigo North) are going to elect a leader that will represent them to bring change.” “I pray that our voters throughout Rigo make the right and wise decision to bring change for the next five to ten years”. Meanwhile, on that day of voting, Guina was in a printed shirt that had Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s face printed on it, a significant message to his people of what he intends to do for them as a leader if elected to office. “I am wearing my shirt that has the face of Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare to pay tribute. He has led this country to independence and served this country for more than 40years as a member of Parliament and as a leader of this nation.” “I want to follow in his footsteps and because of that, I have worn this shirt to represent him. As he is the father of the nation, I will be the son of Rigo to bring change to the Rigo people, and not only that, I would like to bring change to the nation, PNG”.

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) has set up a Call Centre to provide legal support to the PNG Electoral Commission during the scrutiny (counting) period of the 2022 National General Election (NGE). Secretary of Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Eric Kwa in his briefing to the Inter – Departmental Election Committee, said the State lawyers participation in the 2022 NGE scrutiny period would be conducted through the Call Centre set up in Port Moresby, West New Britain Haus, Waigani. “Through this Call Centre, the required legal support services will be provided to address election related issues during the scrutiny period from all Returning Officers across the country. “The operations of the Call Centre will comprise 73 lawyers organized into regional teams and all will be on a two-shift arrangement per day,” Dr Kwa added. The Department of Justice & Attorney-General is a member of the IDEC. The telephone numbers to call are 3015800, 30129936 & 3012916 and have been in operation since Tuesday 5 July 2022. The Call Centre will be operating on a 24 hour basis, or until the counting ends throughout the country.

The security forces in the Western Highlands province are ready for polling on Wednesday 13th of July, says Provincial Police Commander Superintendent John Sagom. Mr Sagom said the security personnel are ready and looking forward to the polling. He said the Quick Response Force comprising PNG Défense Force and Police Mobile Squad personnel and the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) should help the Western Highlands Provincial Police Command deliver a free, fair, safe and corruption free election in the province. For the Highlands region, polling kicked off on Monday July 4 in Hela and July 7 in Enga.  For the Western Highlands Mr Sagom said they have 334 polling areas in the province. Roll-over teams coming from the Southern Highlands Province will be inserted into the respective polling sites in time for the polling next Wednesday. Mr Sagom appealed again to the people of Western Highlands Province for their cooperation in making the election free, fair, safe and corruption free. He said this is the time the candidates must show the people their true leadership qualities in ensuring that their supporters and tribesmen do not threaten, harass, and intimidate others. “I want all the candidates and their supporters not to cause any trouble but allow the constitutional process to take place. The security forces will ensure every citizen casts their votes freely without fear or favour,” Mr Sagom said.