By DALCY LULUA
The National Government has taken a major step toward modernizing the country’s electoral system, hosting a three-day forum on “Transforming Elections through Biometrics and Technology” in Port Moresby.
The workshop, jointly organized by the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) and the Civil and Identity Registry (CIR), is a government-funded initiative aimed at preparing the country for credible, inclusive, and efficient elections in 2027 and beyond.
Bringing together government agencies, election officials, and international experts, the forum focuses on how biometric data and modern technology can help strengthen the integrity and transparency of Papua New Guinea’s elections.
Among the key topics discussed are the integration of the National Identification (NID) system into voter registration and verification, LPV-adapted electronic voting and counting, and the secure transmission of election results.
Minister for Administrative Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, Richard Masere, said the Government is committed to transforming the country’s electoral process through technology to ensure greater integrity and credibility in future elections.
“We want to move away from the challenges of the past and build a system that is secure, inclusive, and efficient. Through the use of biometrics and digital technology, we can ensure that every eligible Papua New Guinean is properly registered, verified, and able to vote with confidence,” Mr Masere said.
He said the reforms will help ensure:
- A clean, deduplicated voter roll integrated with NID
- Secure voter authentication and auditability
- LPV-ready electronic counting with verifiable results
- Better inclusion for persons with disabilities and remote communities
- Efficient operations even in areas with low or no connectivity
Day one of the forum highlighted lessons learned from previous elections, explored global trends in digital democracy, and examined how technology can improve voter authentication, accessibility, and election logistics.
Minister Masere said the outcomes of the forum will guide the Government and the Electoral Commission in shaping a digital election roadmap, paving the way for a modern, transparent, and accountable electoral process ahead of the 2027 National General Elections.
The forum is being attended by senior officials from the PNG Electoral Commission, the Civil and Identity Registry, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and representatives from international development partners and digital election experts, all working together to identify suitable technology solutions tailored for Papua New Guinea’s unique voting environment.