PNG PM assures unions, business of election timetable

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Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has met with all union leaders and business representatives and assured them, in a joint conference, elections will be held as scheduled. [AFP, file photo]

Firmin Nanol, Port Moresby and staff

Last Updated: Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:56:00 +1000

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has given yet another assurance the country's national elections will go ahead on time.

Mr O'Neill met with union leaders and the business community and assured them elections will be held in June, as set by the PNG Electoral Commission.

He says the writs will be open on May 18, when thousands of candidates will nominate for the country's more than 100 parliamentary seats in the June polls.

The government's assurance comes after the PNG trade movement protested against an earlier decision by parliament to defer the it by six months, following claims rolls containing eligible voters names were not ready.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill held meetings with all union leaders and business representatives and assured them, in a joint conference, elections will be held as scheduled.