This report is an election study, not just a financial report, but a study of every aspect of the by-elections from the time the writs were issued to the time that they were returned. The IPS team led by Dr Andrew Ladly spent two weeks in PNG and visited the three electorates of Chimbu, Yangoru Saussia and Anglimp South Wahgi interviewing people involved in the election process and onserver the process.

This report highlights a number of weaknesses in the electoral system and has been able to document some irregularites that have hitherto been suspicions. Some of these threaten the very nature of democracy in PNG, the irregularities in the electoral roll being the most prominent. It is clear that the country does not have the resources to duplicate the Anglimp and Chimbu efforts at one time due to the numbers of police deployed and the resources used. There is a powerful argument for the introdudction of new technology and staggered elections.