There are 43 political parties eligible to contest the 2022 General Election after eight new ones were registered, and 11 de-registered, by the Papua New Guinea Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission.
Registrar of Political Parties Dr Alphonse Gelu said only 43 registered political parties were eligible to field candidates.
The 11 parties de-registered had failed to comply with provision of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPAC).
But they have been allowed to challenge their de-registration.
“A number of them have (challenged the decision) which the commission will be looking at. If it’s based on genuine reasons, then we will reinstate them,” Gelu said.
He said some people were going around the communities acting for political parties that did not exist and collecting membership fees, and seeking donations.
Gelu said some people were even selecting and endorsing candidates. Section 55 of OLIPPAC makes it illegal for people to engage in “misrepresentation”.
They can be arrested for committing a criminal offence.
“A number of authorities are demanding a free, fair and safe elections and this kind of illegal activity does not contribute to that,” Gelu said.
He said after the issue of writs next month, the registry would gazette the political parties eligible to field candidates.
The 43 registered political parties include the major ones such as Pangu Pati, People’s Progress Party, People’s National Congress Party, PNG Country Party, People’s Labour Party, United Party, National Alliance Party, United Resource Party, People’s Action Party, Melanesian Liberal Party and Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party.
SOURCE: THE NATIONAL/PACNEWS
