Writs for Papua New Guinea's 2017 National Election are being signed today, kicking off the official period for the country's five-yearly polls.
Woman at election rally, East Sepik, PNG. Photo: RNZI/Johnny Blades
PNG's Governor General, Bob Dadae is to sign and issue the writs at Government House in Port Moresby.
With this formality, the nomination period begins, as does the official campaign period, although many candidates have already been campaigning across the country.
The Electoral Commissioner Paulius Gamato says the nomination period is seven days from today, the campaign period is eight weeks, ending Thursday 8 June, and the polling period is for 14 days, beginning Saturday 24 June.
A two-week counting period was designated to start on 9 July, although at the last general elections in 2012 counting was delayed while polling extended beyond its normal two-week period.
According to the Commissioner, the return of writs must be on or before Monday 24 July.
