ELECTION 2012 PREPARATIONS ARE ON SCHEDULE, SAYS TRAWEN

Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen has re-assured the country that updating of the Electoral Roll for the 2012 National Election is progressing well and it will be delivered on time for polling.

Mr. Trawen's re-assurance comes in the midst of continuing negative reports, concerns and fears raised by sitting Members of Parliament, leaders of political parties and the wider community on whether the 2012 Electoral Roll would be ready at all.

"Planning, preparing and conducting an election is the sole constitutional duty of the Electoral Commission every five years and we are confident of complete updating the Roll and delivering another successful election in June.

"Staff of the Commission are professionals in planning, preparing and conducting elections in PNG and let's give them the necessary support they need to provide a service called elections," he said.

Mr. Trawen said the Commission was placed in similar situations prior to the 2002 and 2007 national elections but despite all odds it managed to complete the 2002 and 2007 Electoral Rolls and delivered two elections to the people of Papua New Guinea.

"The 2012 elections is no different as far as PNGEC is concerned as our preparations are on schedule to deliver a free, fair and safe election.

"These include updating of the Electoral Roll, finalization of our election security operational plans with polling schedules and procurement of election logistics such transportation, ballot papers, ballot boxes and other necessary election requirements," he said.

Commissioner Trawen acknowledged the support of the international community in assisting PNGEC in its election preparations.

He said these countries include PNG's number one friend Australia, New Zealand and South Korea in the provision of expert advisors, election logistics, transportation and communication.

Meanwhile, so far Preliminary Electoral Rolls for 12 provinces have already been completed with remaining 10 provinces to be completed in the coming weeks.

Mr. Trawen said these 12 provinces are all the provinces in the Southern, New Guinea Islands and Momase Regions except for Bougainville, Manus and Western provinces.

The Preliminary Electoral Rolls for these 12 provinces have already been dispatched for public display and objection. They are as follows:

Central Province- All four Open electorates (Abau, Goilala, Kairuku-Hiri and Rigo)
Gulf- Both Open electorates (Kerema and Kikori)
Milne Bay- All four Open electorates (Alotau, Esa'ala, Kiriwina-Goodenough and Samarai-Murua)
National Capital District - All three Open electorates (Moresby North-East, Moresby North-West and Moresby South)
Northern- Both Open electorates (Ijivitari and Sohe)
East New Britain- All four Open electorates (Gazelle, Kokopo, Pomio and Rabaul)
West New Britain- Both Open electorates (Kandrian-Gloucester and Talasea)
New Ireland- Both Open electorates (Kavieng and Namatanai)
East Sepik- All six Open electorates (Ambunti-Dreikikir, Angoram, Maprik, Wewak, Wosera-Gaui and Yanggoru-Saussia)
West Sepik- All the four Open electorates (Aitape-Lumi, Nuku, Telefomin and Vanimo-Green River)
Morobe- All the nine Open electorates (Bulolo, Finschafen, Huon Gulf, Kabwum, Markham, Menyama, Nawae and Tewae-Siassi)
Madang- All the six Open electorates (Bogia, Madang, Middle Ramu, Rai-Coast, Sumkar and Usino-Bundi)
Mr. Trawen said the 10 provinces that elector data still being processed are the seven Highlands provinces as well as Bougainville, Manus and Western provinces.

He, however, said data entry is progressing well and should be completed in the coming weeks.

"Once completed, the Preliminary Rolls will be printed and sent back for public display and objection.

"After the objection period, the Preliminary Rolls will be finalized on time for polling which is scheduled for June 23," Commissioner Trawen said.