Speaking at the Youth Forum in Port Moresby on Saturday 6th of June, NCD Election Manager, Mr. Roney Hawengao highlighted the importance of the National General Election (NGE) as a vital democratic process in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The participating students from Jubilee Catholic Secondary, Marianville Secondary, Tokarara Secondary, La Salle Technical Secondary, De la Salle Secondary, Gerehu Secondary, Sogeri National School of Excellence, were taken through the basics of checking their names in the Electoral Roll and were also engaged in a mock Election exercise.
He reminded the students on the importance of National General Elections, as it allows citizens to choose leader who will make decisions affecting education, health, infrastructure, employment, security and development of communities, which leads to the country’s national growth.
“For democracy to work effectively, citizens must participate responsibly. This is where you, the youths, play a vital role. Your first responsibilities as an eligible citizen are to check your eligibility and get properly enrolled on the electoral roll.”
The Electoral Roll is the foundation of a credible election. Therefore, I encourage every eligible young person to Register as a voter, verify your details on the electoral roll, update your information if you have changed residence, and please, do encourage your friends and family members to do the same.” Said Mr. Hawengao.
He adds that the current Electoral Roll Update and Verification exercises nationwide, are designed to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. And with the significant percentage of youth population in PNG, the youths have the power to influence positive change in society.
As the country prepares for the upcoming 2027 National General Elections, Hawengao urged all young people to become champions of a peaceful election. He pleaded to the young people not to allow political differences to create conflict among their pier groups, families and communities.
“I also plead to you to respect different opinions, Respect the rule of law. Respect the democratic process. A peaceful election is everyone’s responsibility.
Remember that elections come and go, but friends, families and communities will remain,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Hawengao reiterated to the young people that, PNG’s future beyond 2027 starts with the youths.
“Yes, it starts with us registering to vote. It starts with us verifying our names on the electoral roll. It starts with you saying ‘NO’ to corruption. It starts with promoting peace and unity. It starts with participating responsibly in democracy. And it starts with every young person making a commitment to contribute positively to the future of Papua New Guinea.
“I encourage each of you to become informed, engaged and responsible citizens, together, we can strengthen democracy and ensure that the 2027 National General Elections are inclusive, peaceful, transparent and credible.” Concludes Mr. Hawengao.
The youths learned how to check their names on the electoral roll and then participated in a mock election exercise.
The importance message to the youths at the forum was, ensuring their name is registered on the common roll, as it is the vital first step to making their voices be heard through their vote.
