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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 125: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments: The legislature can only accept or reject suggestions from the Boundaries Commission, and may not alter the Commissions report
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 125 clause 3.
Verified: 2005/03/02
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 36: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
a . Total population
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 36
Verified: 2005/03/02
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: The number of open electorates and of provincial electorates and their boundaries shall be determined by the Parliament in accordance with recommendations from the Boundaries Commission.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 26: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012);
Constitution, Section 125 (1): http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
a . Changes in number of total population k . Boundaries redrawn every____period of years
Comments: k. Every 10 years.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 125 clause 1.
Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2007/01/11
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
f . Inherited monarchy with a Governor appointed by the Monarch
Comments: The Queen of the United Kingdom is the head of state. She appoints her representative, a Governor General based on the advice of the National Executive Council given in accordance with the decision of the parliament.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 82, 87, 88: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Papua_New_Guinea_2014?lang=en (2014)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister shall be appointed, at the first meeting of the Parliament after a general election and otherwise from time to time as the occasion for the appointment of a Prime Minister arises, by the Head of State, acting in accordance with a decision of the Parliament.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 142: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 82: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: the Parliament is a single-chamber legislature, consisting of a number of members elected from single-member open electorates, a number of members elected from single-member provincial electorates and not more than three nominated members.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 100, 101: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
b . Alternative Vote
Comments: Limited Preferential Voting system: This system requires the voter to make three (3) choices of candidates. The candidates' numbers and names will appear on a Candidate Poster and a voter will then write either the names or candidate numbers of his/her three preferred candidates on the ballot paper.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 138, 139: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012);
Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies c . Regional/provincial level
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Part 6 Article 101 clause
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Part 6 Article 101
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: The Limited Preferential System requires that a candidate reach an absolute majority of support.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 168.
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: The Limited Preferential System requires that a candidate reach an absolute majority of support
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 168.
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom) d . Other
Comments: Nominally the life of the parliament is 5 years. More often general elections are held after the Prime Minister or the Ministry fails a no confidence motion, or the government is defeated on a question that the Prime Minster has deemed a question of confidence. A general election can be held if the parliament, by an absolute majority, decides.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 105 clause 1.
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: The legislation allows for polling to take place over a period of not more than 14 days. However it has been the practice to conduct polling in a day. In the by-elections after the 2002 general election polling took place over a number of days.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 75.
Verified: 2005/03/02
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012);
Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012);
Electoral Law (National Elections) Regulation 2007: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/national_electoral_regulation_2007.pdf (2012);
Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003: http://www.ippcc.gov.pg/img/OLIPPCC03.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: September 2006
Source: Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2007/01/11
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 2: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 50: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
b . National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments: The law does not specify the conduct of both elections on the same day. The Electoral Commission has the discretion to make this decision whether to hold together or separate.
The election in 2002 undertook national and local government elections at the same time.
Source: Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2007/01/11
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The National Court respond to disputes relating to elections.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 206: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2007/01/11
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates c . Voters
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Part 18 Section 208 (c)
Verified: 2005/03/02
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court
Comments: Electoral Disputes are heard in the National Court, but can be appealed to the Supreme court.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 155 clause 2 (a)
Verified: 2005/03/02
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
a . Election Management Body e . Legislature
Comments: Electoral Commission in close consultation with the Legislative Council/NEC
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 109 clause 1
Verified: 2007/01/11
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 73: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012);
Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 126: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: The Electoral Commission Appointments Committee.
The Committee consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition. the Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Appointments, and the Chairman of the Public Services Commission.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Part 2 Section 6.
Verified: 2007/01/11
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: The Public Finances (Management) Act 1995, Part VIII;
Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 5, 17: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Electoral Commission is not subject to direction or control by any person or authority.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 126 (6): http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: 6 years
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 9: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Electoral Commission is not subject to direction or control by any person or authority.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 126 (6): http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: The Electoral Commission consists of the Electoral Commissioner and 78 staff members.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 5 (2): http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012);
Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
e . No Information Available
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 5: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State i . Other
Comments: The Electoral Commissioner shall be appointed by the Head of State, acting with and in accordance with the advice of the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 5 (3): http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: The PNG Electoral Commission is running election roll awareness programs to assist voters in electoral enrollment with the EMB and local police departments.
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Media advertisement d . Music and theater h . Other
Comments: h) Seminars and workshops.
Source: Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2007/01/11
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
j . Other
Comments: Rights/roles of citizens/ (our Future/Our Vote), electing of good leaders
Source: Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2007/01/11
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
c . Women
Comments:
Source: Report of the Commonwealth Expert Group on Papua New Guineas Electoral Arrangements, 2002.
Verified: 2005/03/02
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 126 (3): http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence
Comments: b) A citizen wishing to register to vote needs to have either lived in the electorate for 6 months or more, or have been born in the electorate or lived in the electorate for a period of 5 years at any time.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 50 (1): http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012);
Electoral Law (National Elections) Regulation 2007, Section 24: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/llg_electoral_regulation_2007.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration b . Previous Conviction d . Mental disability
Comments: a) The incarceration must be for a period of 9 months or more to suspend the right to vote.
b) If the voter has been convicted, within the period of three years next preceding the first day of the polling period for the election concerned, of an offence relating to elections that is prescribed by an Organic Law or an Act of the Parliament
c) dual citizens are not permitted to vote
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 50 1 (a) and (b).
Verified: 2017/03/16
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 15, 45: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments: b) Enrolling by filling out the Enrollment Form
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 54.
Verified: 2007/01/11
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 57 clause 1.
Verified: 2005/03/02
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
e . Appearance by voter at registration office f . Door-to-door registration campaign
Comments: f) Official visitation to provinces, districts, LLGs and wards
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 58 clause 1.
Verified: 2007/01/11
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law (National Elections) Regulation 2007, Section 25: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/llg_electoral_regulation_2007.pdf (2012);
Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 57: http://www.pngec.gov.pg:7780/i/pngec/organic_law.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) f . Other
Comments: Part 4, Div 1, Section 29 c) The name of the political party and any abbreviations; the name of the public officer; the postal address and physical location of where the main office is located, as well as any branches or affiliates; the names, addresses, and occupations of its executive officers and of its executive or controlling body and of the officers accountable for or otherwise handling or managing its money or property; the names and addresses of persons authorized to receive contributions and commit expenditures on its behalf; the names and addresses of persons authorized to commit the party and its branches to endorse and publicly support candidates at elections; the date of its incorporation; a copy of the constitution of the political party; the certificate of incorporation issued under the Associations Incorporation Act (Chapter 142); statutory declarations by Members of the Parliament who are members of the political party (if any) to the effect that they are members and are not members of any other political party; a statutory declaration by the public officer to the effect that: no non-citizens are members of the political party; and no non-citizens are in the employ of the political party or have been engaged, whether for gain or otherwise, to assist in any way in its campaign or work; a copy of the balance sheet and financial statements detailing assets and liabilities and income and sources of income; copy of the annual income tax return for the preceding year (if any) certified by the Internal Revenue Commission to be true and accurate.
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003, Section 27, 29: http://www.ippcc.gov.pg/img/OLIPPCC03.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration
Comments: a) 25 years old;
d) A candidate must have lived in the area for 2 years or more prior to the election, or for a period of 5 years at any time.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Section 103: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration e . Offences against electoral law k . Mental health problems
Comments: a) Must be of 9 months or more.
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Section 103
Verified: 2006/03/20
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
o . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 85, 87: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) b . Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: a) The candidate must declare that they are qualified to be a member of parliament. b)K1,000
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 87.
Verified: 2006/03/20
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003, Section 75, 82, 83, 86: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olotioppac2003542/(2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (1997) section 61.
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance e . Other
Comments: a) The Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission shall pay out of the Central Fund to each registered political party represented in the Parliament, the sum of K10, 000.00 for each Member of the Parliament who is a member of that registered political party.
e) If a female candidate was endorsed by a political party and received at least 10% of the votes cast the party can recover a portion of the money expended on her campaign.
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003, Section 82, 83: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olotioppac2003542/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
c . Unspecified
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003, Section 79, 80, 81: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olotioppac2003542/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (1997) Section s 57, 58, and 59.
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure d . Ceilings on how much money a party can raise h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (1997) Part 5.
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of candidate contributions received b . Public disclosure of candidate expenditure d . Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (1997) Part 5.
Verified: 2005/03/02
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
b . Regulated body specially created for this purpose
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (1997) 51 clause 1.
Verified: 2005/03/02
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies n . Random listing (lottery) o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: e) The elector must place the candidate number/name against the three preferences 1, 2, 3 in such a way as to indicate preferences clearly.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 125.
Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA)and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: c) Counting Centers within the electorate where the election was held.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 148: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box c . Tally of voters who voted e . Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused) j . Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate l . Counted by hand r . Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
Comments: c) Tally of voters
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 154
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
c . District level
Comments: Central Tally Room.
Information is passed to the Returning Officer
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 154 clause 2 (f).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
b . District level
Comments: Provincial/Open Electorates/LLG
Source: Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
c . By fax f . By computer g . Internet
Comments: Electronic or expeditious means are used to notify the returning officer.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 154 clause 2 (f).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: 170.1) Subject to Subsections (4) and (5), where on the final count, the margin of votes between the candidate who polled the highest number of votes and the candidate who polled the next highest number of votes does not exceed 0.25% of the number of votes polled by the candidate who polled the highest number of votes, the candidate who polled the next highest number of votes may, at any time before the declaration of the result of the election, request the Returning Officer to re-count the ballot-papers contained in a parcel
212 d) The National Court may order a recount in an electorate. In addition, in certain cases, a candidate may request the Returning Officer to conduct a recount before the declaration of the result of the election.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 170, 212 (1.d): http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
b . An individual candidate
Comments: b) Through the courts. Only the candidate who received the second highest amount of votes can request the recount.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 170 (1).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
a . National Election Management body
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 170 (2)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 154 clause 2
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 175 clause 1 (a)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: The return of the writ, and therefore the announcement of the results must be done within 21 days. This period can be extended to a maximum of two weeks.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 80 and Section 177 clause 2 (b).
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/(2017);
Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olotioppac2003542/ (2017);
Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is no maximum amount.
According to the General Code of Ethics for News Media, in PNG it is common during political campaigns for politicians to offer cash allowances to reporters. If they or others seeking coverage wish to provide such assistance to the news media, it must be done openly through the parent media body and should be revealed in the news items produced.
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2012);
Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates 2003: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olotioppac2003542/ (2017);
Official Website of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngmediacouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=62 (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Papua_New_Guinea_2014?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2017/03/16
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997)
http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/
Verified: 2017/03/16
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Duties are outlined in the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997).
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997).
Verified: 2006/03/16
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections f . By mail
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 132 (1), 105 : http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Any citizen residing outside of the country may vote
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 98 (1.e): http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 98 (1.e): http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997) Section 98.
Verified: 2005/03/02
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
b . By mail
Comments:
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Verified: 2006/03/16
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
b . Disabled persons c . People in remote areas d . People in hospitals e . People in prison f . Other
Comments: f) Citizens residing outside the country.
- An elector who will not, throughout the polling period
be within the electorate for which he/ she is enrolled,
- or will not be within 16km by the nearest polling place,
- or will be travelling or be away,
- or is seriously ill or infirm,
- or is restricted or forbidden by religious beliefs to follow normal procedures,
- or is a citizen residing abroad.
Source: Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA) and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Verified: 2007/01/11
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/02
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, Section 139: http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/ (2017)
Verified: 2017/03/16
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