SOUTHERN Highlands Governor William Powi, MP, has welcomed the National Government’s appointment of Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, describing it as a historic and courageous decision that will strengthen public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and help lay the foundation for a credible, transparent and well-managed 2027 National General Election.
Governor Powi said the decision to appoint Dr Haley well ahead of the 2027 election demonstrates the Government’s commitment to restoring confidence in Papua New Guinea’s electoral system after the concerns raised about the conduct of previous national elections.
“I commend Prime Minister James Marape and the bipartisan Electoral Commission Appointments Committee for making a bold decision that puts the national interest first. This appointment sends a clear message that Papua New Guinea is serious about protecting the integrity of our democracy and ensuring our electoral system earns back the trust of our people.”
Governor Powi said rebuilding public confidence in the Electoral Commission remains one of the country’s greatest challenges. Too many Papua New Guineans have questioned the credibility of past elections because of problems with the common roll, election administration, polling, counting, security and the declaration of results.
He said appointing an independent and internationally respected professional with no political affiliations is exactly the kind of leadership needed to restore confidence in the institution responsible for safeguarding every citizen’s constitutional right to vote.
“The Electoral Commission must always remain independent and above politics. Every Papua New Guinean deserves to know that their vote carries equal value and that election results genuinely reflect the will of the people. Dr Nicole Haley’s appointment gives our nation the opportunity to rebuild that confidence.”
Governor Powi acknowledged that although Dr Haley is an Australian citizen, she has dedicated more than three decades of her professional life to Papua New Guinea and has developed an exceptional understanding of the country’s political and electoral systems.
He said she is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on Papua New Guinea’s elections, democratic governance and electoral reform.
Over many years, Dr Haley has worked throughout Papua New Guinea researching elections, governance, political participation and electoral reform. Since the 2007 National General Election, she has played a significant role in observing, analysing and reviewing the country’s electoral
processes. She has also made substantial contributions to the reviews of the 2007 and 2017 National General Elections, offering practical recommendations aimed at improving election administration, strengthening electoral integrity and increasing public confidence in democratic institutions.