Yanggoru-Saussia MP and People First Party Leader Richard Maru has called on the Electoral Commission on how it will deal with the issue of eligible voters who will miss out on voting because they are not registered on the common roll. Mr Maru made this call during the signing of the Code of Conduct agreement between the 39 registered political parties and the Electoral Commission in Port Moresby yesterday. He said while the responsibility to ensure a safe and successful elections outcome lies with the parties, the Electoral Commission haven’t fully learnt from the past mistakes to fix this issue. “The Electoral Commission must not repeat the mistakes from the past elections,” Mr Maru said. “With the recent common roll update, many people are not enrolled.” “You have to have a clear stand on how you will deal with a large number of voters who are not going to vote because their name are not on the common roll.” He said this is not an issue that political parties will have to manage and the Electoral Commission need to be clear on how they will address this issue so that other stakeholders can do their part in safeguarding the elections. Deputy Electoral Commissioner John Kalamoroh in response said voters are responsible to have their names enrolled when the Electoral Commission sent out enrolment officers to enrol and they have to play their part as well in ensuring they have they names enrolled. Mr Maru also pointed out concerns on the security of the elections as well as the efficiency of the CCTV initiative that the Electoral Commission had said to establish in counting venues.

Small and Medium Enterprise [SME] owners from the Moresby North-East electorate are frustrated that they might not be able to receive their SME loans this week as days are counting down before the issue of Writs this Thursday. An angry crowd gathered around the SME Branch yesterday to demand that their grants be paid on time before Thursday. This is the 5th payment that will be made to SME owners as 4 payments have already been put through. The frustrated SME owners stormed the branch demanding for payments to be fast tracked. Many of these folk are from the underdeveloped parts of the electorate. In order to receive these grants, SME owners need to meet a certain criteria before they are handed out the assistance. Some of the criteria include; owning and operating a business registered with the Investment Promotion Authority and also being a holder of a financial literacy certificate. The SME Program was initiated by Moresby North-East Member John Kaupa and it is believed that almost 30,000 people are engaged in the program. A disgruntled entrepreneur, Johnson Hewari stated that after going through all the training they had to acquire a Financial Literacy Certificate, the wait has been tough.

Cricket PNG, together with BSP Bank, announced that BSP Bank will continue to sponsor the BSP School Kriket Program, now into its thirteenth year. The sponsorship includes funding staff, including training, and ensuring equipment is provided to the regions so young children can participate in cricket for the first time. Children from Kilakila Secondary, St Charles Lwanga Catholic Secondary, Salvation Army Boroko Primary, Taurama Primary, Butuka Academy, 9mile Quarry Elementary School, Bavaroko Elementary, New life Christian School, Tubusereia Primary, and Pari Primary all attended the event. These young students were able to have a fun day at Amini Park alongside current Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis Norman Vanua and Nosaina Pokana and Lewas Kila Veru Frank and Holland Doriga. NCD Regional Manager for BSP Bank Mr. Dennis Lamus on behalf of BSP Bank said, “BSP values the role of sport in the community and this partnership with Cricket PNG is one of the longest in PNG Sports and we are proud to partner to deliver this program across PNG.” CEO of Cricket PNG, Mr. Greg Campbell thanked BSP Bank, “We would like to acknowledge and thank BSP Bank for supporting Cricket PNG for over 13 years, allowing us to deliver the BSP School Kriket Program to hundreds of thousands of children each year.” Campbell added “With several million children, with an even split between boys and girls, going through the BSP School Kriket Program since it began, we are seeing the fruits of this program with the majority of the Barras, Lewas, under 19 Male team, and now the very first Junior Lewas team, being introduced to cricket through this award-winning school program.” Cricket PNG and BSP Bank both wish to continue to grow the program, especially after the challenges of Covid there is an expectation that numbers will return to pre Covid highs this year. Any schools that wish to participate in the BSP School Kriket Program are encouraged to contact Cricket PNG.

Thirty-two finalists for the prestigious 2022 SP Sports Awards (SPSA) have been announced on Monday in Port Moresby. After a week of deliberation, the SPSA Selection Panel has reached an agreement for the top three finalists for each of the categories on offer in this year’s awards. “Despite the effects of COVID, we once again had a high-quality field,” says Warwick Vele, the Chairperson of the SPSA Selection Panel. “It was great to see the efforts and achievements of our sportsmen and women, coaching staff, officials and administrators to get our athletes back into their respective sporting arenas.” He added that efforts put into community sports and the good these initiatives have done was especially pleasing. The finalists in alphabetical order for the SP Sports Awards are: Male Athlete of the Year Baru Morea (Weightlifting) Johnson Alex (Rugby League) Olam Justin (Rugby League) Female Athlete of the Year Albert Elsie (Rugby League) Kaputin Rellie (Athletics) Toua Dika (Weightlifting) Team of the Year Lae Snax Tigers (Rugby League) Papuan Compound Ravens (Rugby Union) Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited PNG Barramundis (Cricket) National Performance of the Year NEST Athletics Club (Athletics) Papuan Compound Ravens (Rugby Union) Waghi Tumbe (Rugby League) Community Sports Initiative Award Hook in4 Health (Hockey) Inclusive Gymbad Program (Gymnastics and Badminton) League Bilong Laif (PNG NRL) Junior Male Athlete of the Year Hakena Sugar-Ray (Tennis PNG) Porter Joshua (Squash PNG) Alarcos Amity (Squash PNG) Junior Female Athlete of the Year Hakena Colita (Tennis PNG) Merimba Ursula (Nokondi Triathlon Club, Goroka) Best Sports Person with a Disability Leva Nelly (Para Sports) Marados Morea (Para Sports) Otoase Raphael (Special Olympics) Sports Official of the Year Sibona Margaret (Cricket PNG) Stone Nelson (NEST Athletics Club) Yareboinen David (PNG Football Association) Sports Photo of the Year Keamo Patricia (The National Newspaper) Keslep Simon (Post Courier) Wasari Fidelis (Sports Tok Magazine) Sports Media of the Year EMTV Sports (Media Niugini Limited) Paul Taumik Jnr (NBC Sports) The National Newspaper Sports Desk (The National Newspaper) The announcement of the finalists marks the opening of SMS voting for the People’s Choice Award. The winner of the People’s Choice Award is selected through a public vote using FM100’s SMS voting platform. The more votes a finalist gets, the more chances of them winning.

Board Members of the PNGNRL Bid Project were sworn in this evening in an official swearing in ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. Chairman of the PNGNRL Bid Project Mr Wapu Sonk said he is positive that the board will work well together in moving the agenda forward for a possible entry into the NRL by 2025. Board members sworn in by Deputy Chief Magistrate Samson Tatakali this evening included Mr Ian Tarutia, Mr Albert Veratau, Mr Stan Joyce, Mr Stanley Hondina as well as the Board Chairman Mr Wapu Sonk. The board held their first board meeting this evening following the official swearing in ceremony to discuss urgent matters pertaining to the Bid Project. Mr Sonk added that they are confident the Bid Project will bring further development for the code in country and at the same time provide an avenue for the country's elite sports men and women to progress positively in their careers. “On behalf of my board, I’d like to take this time to thank the government of PNG and the NEC for having the confidence and faith in the board members and in putting together the Bid Package that will go before the NRL.” “This NRL Bid Project is the second one we are attempting and this time with a new board, we are hoping to put together a bid that will be successful,” Mr Sonk said. The PNGNRL Bid Project Chairman said that through the help of the board, the wider community and the help of the government and the many partners that will come on board the 3-year journey, they are confident of entering the NRL in 2025.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) intending candidate for the Alotau Open seat, Ms. Angela Nelson, is confident women can provide a better leadership for the people, given they run under a Political Party that empowers them to do greater things. Speaking at the official SDP endorsement of intending candidates today in Port Moresby, she spoke of good leadership and empowerment of women to play a key role in the development of the country. “When you empower women, you empower the household,” she said. She also expressed her views on good governance and stressed that strong leadership is what the country needs. After spending 20 years within the Milne Bay Provincial Administration, working her way to the top alongside prominent politicians such as current Alotau Member Charles Abel, she believes that she is ready to tackle issues relating to health, youth development and other cross-cutting issues. Also present at the event was SDP Party Leader, National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop and Minister for Urban Development & Housing and Moresby South MP Justin Tkathchenko. When giving his opening remarks, Governor Parkop remarked that equal representation is vital at the national level, adding that due to the majority of ethnic backgrounds in the country having patrilineal societies, it is four times harder for women to contest for seats in parliament. He also stated that the government should also implement special measures to promote inclusion. “Special measures that promote inclusion is not new. Countries around the world also have special measures that allow women equal inclusion,” he added. Apart from Ms. Nelson, the other female intending candidate endorsed by the SDP is Dorothy Tekwei, who will be contesting the West Sepik Regional seat. “It’s an honor to be selected and endorsed by the SDP. I want to assure women that there are strong women leaders that they can look up to,” she said. Ms. Tekwei, a former UN official, is also optimistic that this year’s elections will be fruitful for the party and expressed great satisfaction with the endorsement from the SDP.

The Department of Personnel Management has issued Circular No. 9 of 2022, dated May 4th, to all Provincial Administrators, to cease making changes to the position of District Administrators until a new government is formed. DPM Secretary, Ms Taies Sansan said in light of the looming National General Elections, following directions are now issued; 1. All proposed changes to the current Acting District Administrators are to cease until a new Government is formed. This means whoever has been acting or is currently acting on a vacant District Administrator position must not be changed until a new Government is formed. 2. All selection and recruitment of new District Administrators following proper processes are to be completed in consultation with the Department of Personnel Management and the Department of Provincial & Local Level Government before the date of the Issue of Writs (as Open Members) are part of the process. 3. Failing the completion of the process in No.2 above, the selection process is ceased until the formation of the new Government (new Open Member can be consulted). 4. Any appointments of the District Administrators expiring during the period of the National General Elections, Provincial Administrators are to ensure that the incumbent continues to act until the new Government is formed, so the new Open Member can be consulted. Provincial Administrators are the appointing authority when it comes to the appointment of District Administrators (substantive or acting), as outlined in the Public Services (Management) Act and the Public Service General Orders. Ms Sansan is reminding all Provincial Administrator’s to exercise caution due to the impending National General Elections and conduct such selections and appointments with reasonable care that may not jeopardize the operations of the public service machinery in the Provinces and Districts. “Provincial Administrators are put on notice to ensure that the rule of law is followed,” said Ms Sansan. She added, “it is important to note that compliance of the processes to the Public Services (Management) Act, the Regulations, the Public Service General Orders, and the District Development Authorities Act 2014 is maintained at all times”. The instruction is also made in compliance to the NEC Decision No.137/2022, which approved that all HR Powers removed from agency heads in 2019 are to remain with the Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management until completion of the GoPNG Payroll & HR Framework Audit by Deloittes. Ms Sansan said any issues regarding this Circular Instruction must be communicated to the Office of the Secretary and respective Deputy Secretaries through telephone numbers 327 6379, 327 6335, or 327 6315.

Finalists for the 2022 SP Sports Awards have been announced as of yesterday at the SP Brewery Head office in Port Moresby. A total of thirty-two finalists have made it through with winners of each category to be announced at the inaugural SP Sports Awards at Crowne Plaza Hotel on the 28th of this month. In addition, finalists have been identified under 11 categories with a People's Choice Award to be presented to the finalist with the highest number of votes. President of the PNG Olympic Committee, Sir John Dawanicura congratulated all the finalists for working hard throughout the year and further mentioned that success only comes through hard work. "Discipline, commitment and dedication by the finalists have helped them get to where they are now." "I take this time to congratulate the finalists for making it through and commend them for their hard work which has got them recognized through the SP Sports Awards," Sir Dawanicura said. Sir Dawanicura said sports is part of human development and through sports, there is also a sense of national pride and unity. Although there can only be one winner for each category, Sir Dawanicura urged all the finalists to be equally proud of the efforts they have put in to make it this far.

All spot check operations led by immigration officers is ceased temporarily during this election period and business houses are advised to report any suspected operations by persons claiming to be migration officers, the Chief Migration Officer, Mr Stanis Hulahau says. Mr Hulahau made this comments after receiving complaints from some business houses in Port Moresby that some members of the law enforcement agencies pretending to be immigration officers were out doing unsanctioned spot checks operations over the weekend. Investigation is now underway to verify those impersonators and they will be dealt with accordingly. “As we approach the national election, my management has ceased all planned spot check operations temporarily starting from 15 April 2022 until after the election. During this period, business houses must be cautious about engaging with anyone who pretended to be immigration officers and attempted to carry out unsanctioned spot checks in their premises,” Mr Hulahau says. The Chief Migration Officer says couple of business houses in Port Moresby have reported members of the law enforcement agencies entering their premises over the weekend pretending to be migration officers on usual spot check operations. “Such unsanctioned operations are illegal and business houses must report them immediately for us to deal with them lawfully. If you are being approach by such, ensure to get their full details and email my office on: cmo@immigration.gov.pg or telephone us on 3276102 or call 78797793,” Mr Hulahau advised. He says any requirements for spot check in relation to ICA internal case management will be managed on a case-by-case basis with the approval from his Office.

Public Servants who have recently pass out as Police Reservists are released to assist the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Electoral Commission in the conduct of the 2022 National General Election over the period of 12th May to 29th July, 2022. Department of Personnel Management Secretary, Ms Taies Sansan said these officers will be put on their normal pay for the period specified, unless the services of a requested officer are essential to be running the Department’s operations, in which he or she must not be released. DPM released Circular No.7 of 2022, dated 4th of May, to all National Departmental Heads, Provincial Administrators, and the Heads of Other Public Authorities, to release those Public Servants who have joined as Police Reservists with full pay. Ms Sansan said this was the request from the Police Commissioner to help stamp out corruption, and to make the 2022 elections free, fair and peaceful for all aspiring candidates. All inquiries regarding clarification can be directed to the Acting Deputy Secretary for Policy Development & Reform, or his officers on; 327 6403, 327 6336, 327 6309, 327 6392, and 327 6373.

39 out of the 53 registered political parties today signed the 2022 Code of Conduct for political parties, candidates, scrutineers and supporters during its launch at the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission office in Port Moresby. The Code of Conduct is aimed at improving the integrity of the 2022 National General Elections and sets out written guidelines to govern the conduct of election stakeholders during the nomination, campaign, polling, scrutiny and after the elections. Deputy Electoral Commission John Kalamoroh said the outcome of the election will depend on the cooperation of all the stakeholders and this initiative intends to ensure all the stakeholders play their part in ensuring that. “This Code of Conduct is to make sure political parties come to an agreement on a set of behaviour that must be displayed during the elections to ensure it is free, fair and safe.” “The document will guide us to come to some general understanding on how we can help each other.” Acting Political Parties Registrar Emmanuel Pok said political parties and their candidates that they have a big responsibility in ensuring a successful election and this will depend entirely on their behaviour.

Gamoga Lawyers Spirit of Rigo and Koita Warriors had a Mother’s Day to remember, going unbeaten and automatically qualifying for the semi-finals of the Trukai VPL. Both teams are now in the box seat for the first prize of PGK 20,000 on Sunday the 15th of May. Gamoga Lawyers Spirit of Rigo comfortably defeated Panamex PNG and Zara Wanderers. Spirit of Rigo was outstanding in the field, restricting their opposition to lower-than-expected scores. Robert Naime not only leads Spirit of Rigo, he is also top of the bowling charts for the whole Trukai VPL taking 6 wickets for only 12 runs from his four overs across both matches. Naime is also in the top ten of batters, along with his captain Damien Ravu. Koita Warriors convincingly defeated Northern Alexanders and Fairprice Furniture Mambas in their pool matches. Koita Warriors dominate batting attack was the foundation of their success. Assadollah Vala, Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis captain, leads all batters with 76 runs from his two innings, at a strike rate of 200. In one particularly devasting over, Assad took to former Barras team mate Mahuru Dai for two towering sixes. Teammate Uditha Sameera strongly supported Vala, also featuring in the top 10 batters for the Trukai VPL at the end of pool play. All is not lost for Panamex PNG, Zara Wanderers, Northern Alexanders and Fairprice Furniture Mambas, as they move into knockout quarter-finals to start the finals day on May 15. They all now know what to expect and how they have to improve to have a chance at taking out the coveted title of Trukai VPL Champions. Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewa, Ravini Oa, with her young daughter on had to watch, had a special Mother’s Day playing for Fairprice Furniture Mambas as the only women playing in the Trukai VPL. Ravini played strongly, bowling strongly in both matches, finishing 30th in the bowling ranks at the end of pool play. Playing with a heaver and bigger ball than international women’s cricket, Ravini was outstanding bowling against some of the best batters in PNG, including Assad Vala. The finals are on Sunday May 15 and start at 9am with the knockout quarterfinals. Entry for fans will be free and if you are unable to attend in person you will be able to follow the live scoring through CricHQ https://www.crichq.com/competitions/14568/draws/55924/rounds/finals and livestreaming through our match centre powered by Interact Sport https://www.cricketpng.org.pg/