PNG 2017 National Elections

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan questioned the government’s proposal to increase the nomination fee, from K1000 to K10,000, during a media conference on Friday.

“What is the average income of Papua New Guinea? Is it K10,000?

“If you say that the average income is K4000 or K5000 then we are wiping out these people completely.

“When the masses are below an average income, and if you put it too high, then you are robbing them of an opportunity,” says Sir J.

The writs for the election will be issued on April 20 next year.

In a 2014 report, released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia’s assistance to PNG, to help it hold elections over the last decade, showed that elections in the country are one of the most expensive in the world.