23 Aug 2016

PNG election fee hike disadvantages non-govt parties

From , 3:03 pm on 23 August 2016

Fledgling political parties and independents outside Papua New Guinea's political establishment are likely to be disadvantaged by plans to hike the nomination fee for election candidates.

The fee could be multiplied tenfold to 10,000 kina, according to PNG's prime minister Peter O'Neill.

Announcing the increase last week, Mr O'Neill said the increase was to offset a lack of funds for the Electoral Commission, which is struggling to prepare for next year's polls.

The deputy opposition leader, and leader of the Pangu Pati, Sam Basil spoke to Johnny Blades about the fee hike.

Papua New Guinea's parliament.

Papua New Guinea's parliament. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades