"2012 Elections will shape PNG’s future” - US Embassy, Port Moresby
For Immediate Release
May 29, 2012
Papua New Guinea’s recent political developments underscore the need for the 2012 national elections to move forward as scheduled. The vote is a unique opportunity for Papua New Guineans to shape their country’s future at a critical time in the nation’s history. We call on Papua New Guinea to respect the Constitution and uphold its democratic institutions. We hope that the Parliament’s recommendation to declare a state of emergency in parts of the country will not disrupt the election campaign or voting process and that the elections in these areas of the country will continue to proceed in a free, fair and credible manner without delay or disruption. We expect that security forces will conduct their operations in a strictly apolitical fashion. It is imperative that all candidates and voters cooperate fully with these efforts and avoid any sort of violence. The United States applauds the efforts by the Papua New Guinean civil service and security forces to organize a free, fair and credible poll. We look forward to a robust campaign season that will provide Papua New Guinean voters the opportunity to evaluate the merits of the various political options available to them. We are confident that the country will remain true to its democratic traditions and that the constitutional and political issues presented over the last year will be satisfactorily resolved.
May 29, 2012
Papua New Guinea’s recent political developments underscore the need for the 2012 national elections to move forward as scheduled. The vote is a unique opportunity for Papua New Guineans to shape their country’s future at a critical time in the nation’s history. We call on Papua New Guinea to respect the Constitution and uphold its democratic institutions. We hope that the Parliament’s recommendation to declare a state of emergency in parts of the country will not disrupt the election campaign or voting process and that the elections in these areas of the country will continue to proceed in a free, fair and credible manner without delay or disruption. We expect that security forces will conduct their operations in a strictly apolitical fashion. It is imperative that all candidates and voters cooperate fully with these efforts and avoid any sort of violence. The United States applauds the efforts by the Papua New Guinean civil service and security forces to organize a free, fair and credible poll. We look forward to a robust campaign season that will provide Papua New Guinean voters the opportunity to evaluate the merits of the various political options available to them. We are confident that the country will remain true to its democratic traditions and that the constitutional and political issues presented over the last year will be satisfactorily resolved.
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