161122 North By-election for the Open Seat pending an official announcement by PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai
New Dawn FM

The North Bougainville Open Seat election dates will be officially announced by the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissioner Mr Simon Sinai.
The seat was left vacant soon after the passing of late MP Hon William Nakin, who was the current sitting and had contested to retain his seat.
According to PNG Electoral Manager for Bougainville Mr Justine Pantumari, after the official announcement by early March 2023, the financial year should be opened by then to ease the operations.
Pantumari said previous experience in 2021 by conducting elections during close of financial year had great impact on the service providers.
He had then travelled to secure funding which took him almost four months before returning to Bougainville.
‘This situation has made the office plan ahead and smarter to enable services to follow during the election period,’ he said.
Pantumari has advised contestants to start doing their ward rounds and ground work during this time.
He added as soon as the writs are official released then all candidates can conduct their campaigning throughout the region.
Late MP Hon William Nakin had passed after a short illness during the polling of the National General Elections in July this year, in Port Moresby. ENDS///AK