Thirty-three Data Processing Officers in Kiunga, Western Province are currently participating in a week-long training program focused on data processing. The training which commenced on Friday May 16th, 2025, aims to equip Data Processing Officers (DPO) with advance skills and knowledge to update electoral accurately. Provincial Election Manager Max Paul said data processing training is important in updating electoral roll for the benefit of all villages and the people of Western Province. He said the updating of all the data is derived from the census conducted in 2024, therefore, the updated electoral roll will be used for the upcoming LLG elections. He said, “Western Province has seen a successful nomination for all its Local Level Government elections. The province has a total of 21 LLGs, 389 wards and four districts. These are South Fly, Delta Fly, Middle Fly and North Fly districts.” The ICT at Kiunga Electoral Office headed by assistant Cosmas Kawop and facilitator Trevor Mallen from the PNGEC’s ICT Department, facilitated this training to ensure efficient and accurate data entry. Mr. Paul added that training would take 2 weeks or more depending on the workload, saying each officer would be tasked to update the common roll for respective LLG’s. In supporting the Electoral Commission in the province, the Fly River Provincial Government has allocated K2.7 million budget to help deliver LLG elections successfully. “So far, peaceful nominations have been observed in the province. Counting and declaration of council wards, president seats, and ward mayor’s seat will be done in respective LLG’s within the province. We will stick to election scheduled as per notice from the main office in Port Moresby.” As election period continue, all supporters and candidates contesting for this year’s LLG elections have been urged to maintain good order for peaceful and successful election in Western Province.