Dede Sophie

A total of 110 writs have been formally returned to the Governor General, as of Friday 12th of August. This now leaves only eight writs, which are yet to be returned. Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai in a media conference this afternoon, says that writs that are yet to be returned, includes the four Provincial seats of Simbu, Southern Highlands, Madang and NCD, where counting is still continuing. The other two open electorates will be the Moresby North West Open Electorate, which was declared late on Friday afternoon, as well as the Lagaip Open Electorate in the Enga Province, which will be declared fail, because of no polling. The other two electorates is still unclear at this stage. He also says that counting has been completed in 18, out of the 22 provinces in the country. Mr. Sinai also added that the Electoral Commission has again obtained an extension for the return of the remaining writs, to the 19th of August. NBC / PNG Today Next :  Sia Wins Eastern Highlands Regional Seat

The PNG National Gaming Control Board has refuted claims over social media that it will shut down the popular Pacific Racing Betting Shop nationwide. In a statement, NGCB Chief Executive Officer Imelda Agon says all Pacific Racing Shop Licenses are current and are in operation. She says spreading of rumors or fake news on social media with the intent to incite anger, frustration and tarnish the good name of the State-Owned Organisation is ridiculous, outrageous and unreasonable.  Ms. Agon is urging citizens and especially media users to be wary of fake new and scammers adding that the NGCB is committed in ensuring the operation of the gaming industry remains uninterrupted at this time as the industry in recovering from the closure of operation due to COVID-19. However, the CEO is encouraging punters to gamble responsibly bearing in mind their limits.  NBC News / PNG Today Next :  PNG Parliament Induction for New MPs gets underway