In Papua New Guinea, there is is expected to be a big surge in the numbers of women among the more than 3000 candidates who are likely to contest the 2007 National Elections.
The Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen says that 90 candidates were vying for the 20 regional seats - which he says is believed to be the highest number ever.
He says about 3,100 candidates contested the 2002 elections, whereas this year about 3,400 had so far shown interest, though that figure is expected to increase when parties finalised their teams in the next couple of days.
The Registrar of Political Parties Paul Bengo says more women candidates were expected to stand for election this year.
The Post Courier newspaper reports over 70 women candidates nationwide have announced their intention to run, with the highest numbers in the Eastern Highlands Province where so far there are 11 running for the provincial and the 10 open seats.
