The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its partner the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) in expressing concern regarding the reports of interference with media reporting by electoral officers in two provinces of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

In a report first published by the PNG Media Workers association, it is alleged that in two separate incidents journalists at polling centres in PNG’s Western Highlands and Morobe provinces were impeded in reporting on election results by returning officers.

On Monday 9th July, the returning officer for the Huon/Gulf electorate in Morobe demanded payment for the release of information on electoral results and verbally abused a reporter from the country’s national broadcaster, NBC.Two days later, the returning officer overseeing the counting for the Hagen Open polls in the Western Highlands banned media from reporting the results of the polls.

“Access to reliable and impartial information is a prerequisite for fair and open elections”, said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqui Park.

“Interference with reporting of polling results denies the public’s right to know, and is a blow against press freedom and freedom of expression.

IFJ urges the full investigation of these incidents, and urges PNG’s electoral officers to respect the role of the media in the democratic process”.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0950

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

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