(PRESS STATEMENT)

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato has refuted claims that there was a dispute between the Prime Minister James Marape and himself over 2019 LLG elections funding.
“There was a misunderstanding on the reporting that I disputed funds for the 2019 LLG elections.”
“I must put on record here that I did not dispute the K30 million as reported by the Post-Courier newspaper.

He was responding to today’s Post-Courier newspaper front page story which reported that “PM Marape and Gamato differ on K30 million allocated for (LLG) elections.”
Mr. Gamato explained that in the media release issued yesterday (29/7/2019) he was discussing funding for 2018 to conduct the roll updates following concerns of many voters around the country missing out on voting because their names were not on the roll.
“I have no problems with funding for this year because the national government is supporting us to conduct and complete the LLG elections.”

“Secretary for Treasury Dairi Vele has released some funds for the payment of Temporary Election Worker (TEWs) so there is no issue or conflict with the Prime Minister on the 2019 funding for LLG Elections.”
“I thank the Government for releasing the funding to pay the TEWs for 2019 LLG elections.”
Mr. Gamato clarified that the K30 million was part of the overall K100 million LLG elections budget allocated by the national government.

“I have asked the government for additional K40 million to pay allowances for temporary election workers (TEWs) engaged to conduct polling and counting nationwide.”

The Electoral Commissioner confirmed that a total of 39,004 TEWs have been engaged with seven officials per team to conduct polling and counting in 5,572 polling locations in 22 provinces.

Mr. Gamato outlines the different rates approved by the Department of Personnel Management for allowances for TEWs per day as follows:
- Returning Officer – K1,158/month
- Assistant Returning Officer – K971/month
- Presiding Officer – K74/day
- Assistant Presiding Officer – K72/day
- Poll Clerk – K72/day
- Cue Controller – K49/day
- Driver/Operator – K43/day
- Scrutiny & Counting Allowance – K16/hour or K88 per 8 hours shift