IB2020/25 Lusim Hanmak: Why Women Candidates in Papua New Guinea Need to Start Early

Among Papua New Guineans, it is common practice for intending candidates to do their groundwork, known locally as 'doing awareness' or lusim hanmak, 1 months before the official election period. Hanmak, in the context of electoral campaigning, refers to community development projects or meeting traditional obligations in one's society. Voters use it as part of their process of determining if a candidate is serious or has credibility. Many political aspirants are already organising and trying to gain visibility. But why is it so necessary for intending candidates, particularly women candidates, to start preparing so early? Theresa Meki explains that in this In Brief.