An anti-corruption watchdog in Papua New Guinea is calling for election authorities to work with civil society to improve electoral processes ahead of the June polls.
Electoral Commission headquarters. Photo: RNZI/ Johnny Blades
According to Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) "administrative delays" in preparing for the national elections have "severely impacted the rights of Papua New Guineans."
The deputy director of policy and partnerships Yuambari Haihuie said the situation will worsen if the relevant stakeholders don't share information ahead of the voting.
Mr Haihuie said many of the provinces have just begun to update their electoral rolls and if there's no clear coordination and collaboration, these vital democratic processes will sow mistrust in communities.
He said this mistrust could then fuel the abuse of the electoral processes.
PNG voters have experienced problems with the electoral roll and polling schedule in the 2017 election. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Johnny Blades
He adds Papua New Guineans must be able to participate in their democracy to ensure a free and fair national election.
TIPNG is calling on all provincial elections committees to include well-established provincial civil society partners, media, and faith-based organizations to ensure information is shared with communities and that electoral planning includes the views of citizens.