Election assessment team deployed for Papua New Guinea polls

The Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariats have deployed a joint Election Assessment Team for Papua New Guinea’s national polls scheduled to take place from 30 June to 10 July 2007.

The Commonwealth Secretariat’s team was appointed by Secretary-General Don McKinnon following an invitation from the Government of Papua New Guinea.

Paul Tovua, Chairman of the Solomon Islands’ National Peace Council, will lead the joint Team comprised of eight members.

“The Commonwealth-Pacific Islands Forum Election Assessment Team shall observe the preparations for the election; the polling, counting and results process; and the overall electoral environment,” Mr McKinnon said.

Mark Stevens, Adviser and Head of Democracy Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: “The Team will then follow the collation of results, as well as follow up on any complaints and appeals.”

The Team’s final report with recommendations will be submitted to Mr McKinnon and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. It will then be forwarded to the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Electoral Commission and political parties. Copies of the report will then be circulated to Commonwealth member governments and made public.

The last national elections in Papua New Guinea were held in 2002.

Key Links:

• Democracy Section
• Country Profile: Papua New Guinea