pngec.gov.pg LPV Process Limited Preferential Voting : Papua New Guinea

Organisation : Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission
Announcement : Limited Preferential Voting Process LPV
Country : Papua New Guinea

Website : pngec.gov.pg
Terms & Conditions : https://www.electionin.org/uploads/2158-LPV.pdf

LPV Process :

Amongst many reasons, the forth National Parliament opted for LPV basically to allow the voters to choose or select a most preferred leader to represent them in the National Parliament, which is the highest law making body of the country.

Related / Similar Announcement :

Voter Awareness Material Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission

FAQ On Nomination In Papua New Guinea

As a result, the LPV system was passed to be effective in any by-election(s) that may arise immediately after the 2002 General Elections and to be fully implemented during the 2007 National Election and in the future national elections.

Electoral Commission (“the Commission”), as a government agency responsible for administering and facilitating elections in Papua New Guinea, has a legal obligation to educate every citizens of this country on the LPV system during this difficult economic times.

Despite the fact that the commission has limited resources, being under funded and also untimely provision of funds by successive governments, it is generously appealing to other relevant government agencies, at national, provincial and community levels and the NGOs to assist wherever possible to effectively and efficiently educate our people.

Difference between LPV and First-Past-the-Post (FPP)
First-Past-the-Post (FPP) Previously the system used was called First-Past-the-Post, or Simple Majority where whichever candidate received the highest number of votes is declared the winner.

The voter was expected to put a single mark either (a tick or a cross) against the name of the candidate of his/her choice.

Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) LPV is a system that is based on the principle that the winner must have the support of an absolute majority (50% + 1). Preferential voting is seen as more indicative or reflective of the will of the electors.

In LPV, the voter is given an option to choose at least three candidates amongst the names on the ballot paper by placing the number “1” as the first preference, indicates the second preference with number “2” and the number “3” for the third candidate.

Advantages of LPV. :
** It ensures that only a candidate with the support of an absolute majority of an entire electorate can win. Eliminating the possibility of minority winners. In other words, the winning candidate is the “most preferred”.

** It ensures that voters can support minor parties and independent candidates, knowing that their preferences may be used to decide the winner. Thus, votes for minor parties and independents are not wasted.

** It allows parties of liked-minded philosophies or policies to “exchange preferences” in order to assist each other to win.

** It promotes and encourages candidates and their supporters to be electorate-wide minded in their campaign strategies than strongly opposing each other. This may reduce or eliminate tribal fights amongst supporters of rival candidates.

** It has a very good or high turnover of candidates during elections.

Disadvantages of LPV :
** It increases Exhausted Votes.
** Declaration may be delayed because of long counting process.