PNG electoral commissioner won't use power to halve campaign

Papua New Guinea's electoral commissioner says he won't use his powers to halve the country's election campaign to four weeks.

The government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill had hoped the campaign period would be reduced, a legislative change which would require two readings in parliament.

But the commissioner, Patilias Gamato, told the Post Courier that the campaign period will remain unchanged, which will give the commission enough time to print and prepare candidate posters.

However, local government elections are likely to be deferred until next year.