The 2022 General Election will go ahead as scheduled with reforms to address electoral fraud, according to Prime Minister, James Marape.

He said this today to allay fears – brought about by speculation and fake news on social media – that the elections will be delayed.

“The elections will not be delayed and will go ahead as scheduled,” PM Marape said.

“We are working together with the Electoral Commission to ensure that the elections are on time.”

PM Marape said there would be a number of reforms in the elections this year.

“For purposes of transparency, we will have Transparency International, National Research Institute and civil society representation in the Elections Planning Committee,” he said.

“We will have separate voting queues for men and women to cast their votes without undue influence, as in the past.

“It is the right of voters to make their choice based on their God-given wisdom – not on inducements, bribery, cash, food, wantok system or hype

“We will have CCTV used for counting to make the elections fair and friendly for all.”

Severe penalties will be imposed on election officials who engage in “improper and illegal conduct” during elections.

There will be severe penalties for election officials engaged in corrupt practices at polling places.

“A vote is the sanctified responsibility of each individual to cast his or her vote for a leader, who they feel will represent them in Parliament.

“It’s a high calling of each individual and must not be tampered by an ineffective process or corrupt election officials, campaign managers and officials, or candidates themselves.”