Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission PNGEC Website - Election 2022

The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNG EC) website is offline right after the last election. This year, it seems, they are operating from their Facebook page. 

But, for a statutory body, it is a no brainer to have a working website, let alone during the election period.

The website is NOT ONLY an important tool for gathering election 2022 data and communicating information at this time, but also a vital information source for future elections.

PNG EC should get its website back online. Wondered where to get the updated PNG Electoral Common Roll?

Latest deferral of the Opening of Nominations and what dates are changing - read the updates

(Follow-up note: After this article, the PNG EC website is back online)

• With Peter O'Neill and James Marape on the campaign trails, who are the 'dark horses' in the race for the PM seat after the 2022 election? See the latest article on the best candidate for PNG's PM role.

Why PNG EC website is offline?

The main reason the website is offline is simply that the PNG EC is unable to host it successfully.

You'd think they should get it online by now when they already have a functioning URL. Not only that, they are on Google search results, too. Out of 230,000 search appearances, PNG EC website is number 1 and rightfully it should!

PNG EC is the body that should have its own website at this time. 

Social media and Facebook pages are not the right places to store, manipulate, analyse and retrieve election data. Social media are only sharing platforms. 

Election data is important.

Why PNG EC should run its website?

For a statutory body like PNG EC ( and especially during the election), it is vital to get the website online.

A good website can help the electoral commission do many things Facebook cannot do, both on the FRONT HAND and BACKHAND.

Also, a website can help the EC collect and relay information in real-time. 

Above all, the PNG EC website is the primary channel of information for all election-related events, not the news sites or Facebook. 

Click here for all the latest commentaries and updates on election 2022

How PNG EC can get the website back online

The website is a powerful communication tool, therefore the PNG EC must get it back online, going into the 2022 National General Elections.

If you click on the PNG EC links on Google, this is what you get...

A 404 error simply shows that the PNG EC website is offline. 

As mentioned, the EC already has a URL. Also, they have the website database with their previous company that host its website in 2017. 

It is a matter of getting a backup from them. And, securely host the website. 

In fact, there are different levels of hosting services and server capabilities available. As for the PNG EC website, the second or third level hosting (referred to as the cloud) would be enough. 

It can cost a couple of thousand US dollars to get it up. They do NOT have to spend K100,000 to get make it work.

It's not like creating a new website, it should be quick and easy. Here is how to get the website back online.

What the electoral commission is saying about its website

The PNG EC is saying that they are re-designing the website. Here is what appears on the search.

''The website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea is currently being redesigned. Access to past PNGEC data is hence limited at the moment. Please reach out to our team via social media...'' Google Cache snippet 08/05/2022

This message has been up since the website went offline right after the 2017 elections. So it has been 5 years.

PNG EC needs a website 

There is no reason or excuse valid enough to justify why the PNG EC website is still OFFLINE. 

This statutory body needs a website for the election for gathering data and disseminating information to the public. And also for assessing the data from the 2022 elections.

PNG EC should not depend on Facebook alone.

Can Electronic Voting Help Prevent Election Violence in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea's next election in 2027 is an opportunity to reform the electoral process and prevent the violence and corruption that have marred previous elections. 

While the past few elections have been plagued by violence, intimidation, and administrative ineptitude, the government can take steps to ensure a fair and peaceful election in 2027.

Updating the Electoral Common Roll

One critical step towards a fair election is updating the Electoral Common Roll. 

According to the Commonwealth observer team, almost half of the eligible voters may have been disenfranchised in previous elections due to outdated and incomplete voter rolls. 

By ensuring that the roll is accurate and up-to-date, the government can increase voter turnout and reduce the risk of violence and fraud.

Electronic Voting

Another way to prevent election violence is through the use of electronic voting. 

Electronic voting can provide a more transparent and efficient electoral process, making it more difficult for candidates to engage in fraud or violence. 

This can also increase voter participation, as it is more accessible and convenient for voters who may have difficulty getting to polling stations.

Resistance to Electronic Voting

While electronic voting has been successful in other countries, there is resistance in Papua New Guinea to adopting this technology. 

Some argue that electronic voting is too expensive or that it is susceptible to hacking or manipulation. 

However, these concerns can be addressed through proper planning, security measures, and oversight.

Papua New Guinea's 2027 election

Papua New Guinea's next election in 2027 is an opportunity to reform the electoral process and prevent election violence. 

By updating the Electoral Common Roll and adopting electronic voting, the government can ensure a fair and peaceful election. 

It is critical that the government takes proactive steps towards electoral reform to rebuild public trust in democracy and prevent further violence and corruption.

PNG MPs Salaries 2010 to 2022: How much is your MP Earning In Gross Pay and Allowance?

Here is a compilation of Papua New Guinea MPs Salaries from 2010 to 2022, calculated. We know from past experiences (2011 & 2016) that PNG MPs normally give themselves massive pay increases before the election. Either that or they somehow conjure some excuse to get ridiculous increases.

(In case, you see any witchcraft happening, here is what you should know.) Take a look at how much each of these MPs is receiving and if they are, actually, worth the money!

• Prime Minister
  
• Speaker
  
• DPM
  
• Opposition Leader
  
• Govt Minister
  
• Non-govt MPs
  
• Governors
  
• Assembly Members

Margin of error

Calculated - these salaries are correct to the nearest 100 kinas, which means that the figures may not be the exact received by all the MPS as some MPs received more, others less.

However, we followed the increases in 2010/11 (see the article links below) and are confident that the GROSS Salaries are accurate to the thousands received annually.

PNG MPs' Salaries

There were several adjustments to make this calculation relevant;

• first, the figures published in the National Newspaper in December 2010 and the PNG Insight's calculations in 2011 based on those figures;
• second, the exact Ordinary MPs pay published by Madang MP Bryan Krammer on his Facebook wall in 2017 and
• third, the recent (2019) leaked Salary Advice Slip for PNG Parliament Speaker.
  

PNG MPs Allowances

We know that the MPs' salaries to allowances ratio is 31.6 to 68.4 split. They earn an unusually ridiculous allowance. This work EXCLUDES overseas/travel allowances.

On overseas travels, the MPs including the PM get over US$500 per day as their travel duty allowance. Read more about it in the Post Courier article here.

All in all, it gives us an accurate representation of the MPs' salaries. SOURCE LINKS

1) 2010 increases: https://www.thenational.com.pg/mp-reveals-pay/

2) 2010 - 2016 Increases (Calculated) https://www.pnginsightblog.com/2016/06/mps-base-pay-2016-png-111-mps-share.html

3) Madang MP Salary, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kramerreportpng/posts/1128916040578034

Additional info

• Salary to allowance ratio 31.6: 68.4
• *adjustments 2011, 2017 and 2019 base/gross salaries

What do you think? Leave a comment. See more election data on PNG Insight YouTube Channel

PNG 2022 Election Update: Names of Provicial Returning Officers

2022 PNG Election News Update: The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) has appointed 19 Returning Officers (ROs) for the 2022 National General Elections (#2022NGE). Their appointments were dated 8th Oct 2021.

 Wondered where to get the updated PNG Electoral Common Roll?

Latest deferral of the Opening of Nominations and what dates are changing - read the updates

The three provinces with unknown ROs are Sundown, Western and Western Highlands provinces.

2022 PNG Election News Update - Provinces and 2022 NGE Returning Officers

Do you want to write a good Candidate profile? Here is how to do it!

1. Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Justin Pantumari)
2.   Central (Peter Malaifeope)
3.  Chimbu/Simbu (Tom Sine)
4.   East New Britain (Joap Volvol)
5.   East Sepik (James Piapia)
6.   Eastern Highlands (Steven Gore Kaupa)
7.   Enga (Anton Iamau)
8.   Gulf (Poevare Tore)
9.   Hela (John Tips)
10.   Jiwaka (Rossie Pandhau)
11.   Madang (Spoosa Navi)
12.   Manus (Alice Sikin)
13.   Milne Bay (Dadu Daga)
14.   Morobe (Simon Moheke)
15.   National Capital District (Kila Ralai)
16.   New Ireland (Annette Bais)
17.   Oro Northern (Daisy Hombogani)
18.   Sandaun West Sepik (???)
19.   Southern Highlands (Alwynn Jimmy)
20.   West New Britain  (Emily Kelton)
21.   Western /Fly (???)
22.   Western Highlands (???)

NOTE: The PNGEC missed the appointment of the 3 ROs due to reasons unknown. This list has been circulated widely on Social Media. 

We hope that the PNGEC does this selection properly and ensures that this important appointment is complete and FINAL. 

Let us know in the comment if you know of the ROs for Sundown, Western and Western Highlands provinces.

Tuition Fee Free Education Policy - Parents Must Prepare For Uncertain 2017

Payment of Tuition Fee-Free funds to schools has always been an interesting issue among the key stakeholders. Schools skeptical of government's timely commitment and the decisions to pass project fees to parents to pay had been a hot topic among parents, schools and government since the policy's inception. 

The challenge to release funds on time to schools has not been addressed properly. That is why schools and boards are forced to pass fees onto parents. Nevertheless, the recent government's commitment to TFF education policy in the last 5 years (2012 - 2016) must be commended. Through thick and thin the academic year during those years have come to completion, with parents paying nothing. 

But, yet the impending problem still remains - school are not receiving TFF funds on time. This is evident in the PNG Teacher's Facebook discussion group (05.02.2017). One teacher called it a disgrace and reiterated this was the same problem all across the country. Under an hour the post got 15 Likes and a thread was forming. 

Surely lack of promptness is a disgrace. The continued delay of TFF funds payment to schools, even after the education secretary took to Post Courier's front page (31.01.2017) news shows something is not right. In hindsight it is not right to pass the blame around. It is only right to make sure schools have the funds to start each term, on day one of school year.

In fact, the TFF funds are always paid in quarterly installments every year - just before a term starts. This year 2017 is going to be challenging. Compared to the last past 5 years the government had some breathing spaces to gather funds to fund its TFF education policy. This year is the election year. Funds are going to be tight. In addition, the uncertainty of elections and formation of government after the 2017 General Elections, puts this education policy under spotlight. 

The education department must not be complacent! It has to have a contingency plan to not only complete the tuition fee-free year successfully, but also ensures parents are not fooled into paying school fees mid-year.  

The education system, going forward, has the challenge not to fool parents and sponsors. The department must now provide clear direction as far as schools fees and projects fees are concerned all throughout the election year.

The same challenge goes to parents and sponsors - save some money for you never know what's coming. 

How to write a good candidate profile - structure and detail is what you need

Are you an intending candidate or want to write a candidate profile for someone? Here is How to write a good candidate profile. Like any formal document, you need to get two vital components right: structure and detail.

The executive summary is, possibly, an important part of a candidate's profile. Realistic achievements, as well as visions, must be included.

A profile is about a particular person’s experiences, achievements and visions. If you want to portray yourself (or someone) as a potential leader the balance between the two components is necessary. 

The structure in your profile is like a ‘pathway’ down history lane. So make sure the profile has clear correlations - able to lead the readers well.

At the same time, ensure that you point out the important experiences and achievements. That’s where the detail comes in. Know what is important – what’s needed including and what’s irrelevant.

Candidate Profile - Example of Structure

• 1. Cover letter
• 2. Introduction (of the candidate)
• 3. Executive summary (a brief of candidate’s experiences and achievements and how they tie in with party’s policies)
• 4. Contact detail
• 5. Experience
• 6. Achievement/Qualification
• 7. Referees
• 8. Other useful information
• 9. Attachment (include photo pieces of evidence of your works in the village, qualification, etc…)

2022 Election Candidate PROFILE CHECKLIST

Here are 23 pieces of factual information you needed in order to give detail to candidates' profiles. We break the details down so that you can personalise them as you please.

Part 1: Candidate's Personal details

1. Personal detail Full Name (As it appears on the common roll), DOB as shown on the Birth Certificate, Place Birth, Age, Place of Origin, Clan Name, Tribe Name, LLG, District, Province, Marital Status, Spouse Name, Children’s Name(s).
2. Tertiary Education:
3. Secondary Education:
4. High School Education:
5. Primary Education:
6. Your Specialised Field:
7. Current Occupation:

Part 2: Financial Standing and Eligibility

1. Your current Annual Salary:
2. List down assets you own with their estimated value:
3. How long were you in the district or province?
4. Have you made your intentions known yet? If yes, how did you do it?
5. What is the current total eligible voting population of your District?
6. What is your estimated percentage of preferential 1 vote you will acquire?
7. What is your base vote (P1) in terms of numbers against the total voting population?
8. List down your main reason(s) why you want to contest?
9. What would be your best personality that will be used in your campaign?
10. How are you different from the current sitting MP and of the other intending candidates?
11. What is the level of your understanding of the systems and processes of governance (Westminster System)? Fair, Good, Excellent?

Part 3: Political Influence and Popularity

1. How many influential figures in the district are supporting you? Name at least 10 together with their villages.
2. Are you popular in your area? What really made you a popular figure? List down your development goals to achieve after 5 years if elected.
3. Have you done anything out of the ordinary to help your people in the village? If yes, please briefly state them.
4. Please give us your reasons why you chose to contest under our party?
5. How much money would you need from the party to support you in this election? 

Having said that, your chances of securing a political party backing is higher when/if you know the party officials or some influential figure who can voice for you, a referee. 

More help is available here. Get in touch, leave a comment below.

PNG Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (and MPs) Is A Failed Political Reform

Peter O'Neill's People's National Congress has the highest number of MPs (27) followed by Independent MPs (14); Don Polye's  Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party has 12 MPs; Patrick Pruaitch's National Alliance Party has 8 MPs; United Resources Party and Papua New Guinea Party has 7 MPs each. 

It is important to note that the list contained parties and names of MPs who contested under party banners. Many of the MPs who won under sponsored political parties like THE party have jumped ships. 

Others have joined government or defected to opposition and middle bench or scattered at the backbench, caught between party politics.

The three convicted MPs are from PNG Party (Francis Potape), PNC party (Havila Kavo) and PUA party (Paul Tiensten). PNG party has also lost Daniel Mona.

THE party leader, Don Polye, is the Opposition leader. His party deputy leader, Leo Dion, is the Deputy Prime Minister. How can a party leader be the leader of the Opposition while his deputy is the Deputy Prime Minister in the government on the other side of the house? 

This simply shows that party politics is fragile and pragmatic with no control measures to strengthen political parties. There is, now, a total collapse in the system and structure of political parties which is a cause for concern. 

The Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC; passed in 2001) has failed. Stability within the party is non-existent. Unless political parties are strengthened, Independent MPs and smaller parties can do whatever they want on impulse.

           Name                             Political Party                                      Number of Members  

1         Joseph Lelang               Coalition for Reform Party                               

2         Sasindran Muthuvel       Coalition for Reform Party                               

                                                                                                                            2

3         Komun Joe Koim           Independent                                                     

4         Kila Haoda                     Independent                                                     

5         Noah Kool                      Independent                                                     

6         Ron Ganarafo                Independent                                                     

7         Bire Kimisopa                Independent                                                     

8         Robert Atiyafa                Independent                                                     

9         James Lagea                 Independent                                                     

10       Johnson Tuke                Independent                                                     

11       Camillus Bongoro          Independent                                                     

12       Nixon Mangape             Independent                                                     

13       De Kewanu                    Independent                                                     

14       Kelly Naru                      Independent                                                     

15       Solan Mirisim                 Independent                                                     

16       Richard Maru                 Independent                                                     

                                                                                                                            14

17       Loujaya Toni                  Indigenous People's Party                               

                                                                                                                            1

18       Malakai Tabar                Melanesian Liberal Party                                 

19       Dr Allan Marat                Melanesian Liberal Party                                 

                                                                                                                            2

20       Patrick Pruaitch             National Alliance Party                                     

21       Salio Waipo [2]              National Alliance Party                                     

22       John Hickey                   National Alliance Party                                     

23       Sir Michael Somare       National Alliance Party                                     

24       John Simon                    National Alliance Party                                     

25       Joe Sungi                       National Alliance Party                                     

26       Kerenga Kua                  National Alliance Party                                     

27       Jim Simatab                   National Alliance Party                                     

                                                                                                                            8

28       William Tongkamp         New Generation Party                                     

29       Ronnie Knight                New Generation Party                                     

                                                                                                                            2

30       Sir Puka Temu               Our Development Party                                   

                                                                                                                            1

31       Richard Mendani           Papua New Guinea Country Party                   

32       Jeffrey Kuave                 Papua New Guinea Country Party                   

                                                                                                                            2

33       Sam Basil                      Papua and New Guinea United Party (PANGU)      

                                                                                                                            1

34       Daniel Mona (Deceased)Papua New Guinea Party                                

35       Lukas Dekena                Papua New Guinea Party                                

36       Ross Seymour               Papua New Guinea Party                                

37       Francis Potape(Convicted)  Papua New Guinea Party                                

38       Jim Kas                          Papua New Guinea Party                                

39       Francis Marus                Papua New Guinea Party                                

40       Belden Namah               Papua New Guinea Party                                

                                                                                                                            7

41       Tommy Tomscoll           People's Democratic Movement                      

42       Paias Wingti                   People's Democratic Movement                      

                                                                                                                            2

43       Labi Amaiu                     People's Movement For Change Party            

44       Garry Juffa                     People's Movement For Change Party            

                                                                                                                            2

45       Charles Abel                  People's National Congress                             

46       Koi Trape                       People's National Congress                             

47       Jim Miringtoro                People's National Congress                             

48       Havila Kavo (Convicted) People's National Congress                             

49       Peter O'Neill                   People's National Congress                             

50       Francis Awesa               People's National Congress                             

51       Bob Dadae                     People's National Congress                             

52       Paru Aihi                        People's National Congress                             

53       Ereman Tobaining Jnr.  People's National Congress                             

54       Nixon Duban                  People's National Congress                             

55       Charlie Benjamin           People's National Congress                             

56       Paul Isikiel                     People's National Congress                             

57       Roy Biyama                   People's National Congress                             

58       Michael Malabag           People's National Congress                             

59       Mangere Siniwim           People's National Congress                             

60       Jeffery Komal                 People's National Congress                             

61       Louta Atoi                      People's National Congress                             

62       Boka Kondra                  People's National Congress                             

63       Isaac Waigavara            People's National Congress                             

64       Ano Pala                        People's National Congress                             

65       Gordon Wesley              People's National Congress                             

66       Aide Ganasi                   People's National Congress                             

67       William Powi                  People's National Congress                             

68       Ken Fairweather            People's National Congress                             

69       James Marape               People's National Congress                             

70       Mao Zeming                   People's National Congress                             

71       Benny Allan                   People's National Congress                             

                                                                                                                            27

72       Wesley Nukundj             People's Party                                                  

73       Peter Ipatas                   People's Party                                                  

74       Davis Steven                 People's Party                                                  

75       Mogerema Sigo Wei      People's Party                                                  

76       John Pundari                 People's Party                                                  

77       Robert Sandan Ganim   People's Party                                                  

                                                                                                                            6

78       Ezekiel Anisi 1               People's Progress Party                                  

79       Theo Zurenuoc              People's Progress Party                                  

80       Ben Micah                      People's Progress Party                                  

81       Titus Philemon               People's Progress Party                                  

82       Byron Chan                    People's Progress Party                                  

83       Sir Julius Chan              People's Progress Party                                  

                                                                                                                            6

84       Anderson Agiru              People's United Assembly Party                      

85       Paul Tiensten (Convicted)                People's United Assembly Party                      

86       Ati Wobiro                      People's United Assembly Party                      

                                                                                                                            3

87       Tobias Kulang                PNG Constitutional Democratic Party               1

                                                                                                                           

88       Justin Tkatchenko          Social Democratic Party                                  

89       Powes Parkop               Social Democratic Party                                  

90       Joseph Yopyyopy          Social Democratic Party                                  

                                                                                                                            3

91       Mehrra Minne Kipefa     Stars Alliance Party                                         

                                                                                                                            1

92       Wera Mori                      Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

93       Julie Soso                      Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

94       David Arore                    Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

95       Don Polye                      Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

96       Mark Maipakai               Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

97       Douglas Tomuriesa       Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

98       Philip Nai                       Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

99       Leo Dion                        Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

100     James Gau Gelak          Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

101     Delilah Gore                   Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

102     Benjamin Poponawa      Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

103     Akmat Mai                      Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party           

                                                                                                                            12

104     Rimbink Pato                 United Party                                                     

                                                                                                                            1

105     Joe Lera                         United Resources Party                                   

106     William Duma                United Resources Party                                   

107     Mai Dop                         United Resources Party                                   

108     Benjamin Phillip             United Resources Party                                   

109     Dr Fabian Pok                United Resources Party                                   

110     Steven Pirika Kamma    United Resources Party                                   

111     Anton Yagama               United Resources Party                                   

                                                                                                                            7