By ESWIN PLESIO
Prime Minister James Marape has assured Papua New Guineans that the government will work closely with the Electoral Commission to ensure the Common Roll is transparent and accessible ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
His assurance came in Parliament after Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec raised concerns over the country’s voter roll, describing it as one of the biggest issues affecting every national election. With the Administrative Minister absent, the question was directed to the Prime Minister.
Mr Narewec said while proposals such as biometric and electronic voting may take time to implement, making the Common Roll available to the public is something that can be done now.
He urged the government to print the Common Roll and make it available at council wards, local-level government offices and district offices, or through electronic platforms, so people can easily check whether their names are correctly registered before the election.
“The Common Roll belongs to the people. Everyone should have access to it and know whether their name is on the roll,” Mr. Narewec said.
Responding, Mr Marape said he fully agreed that a transparent Common Roll is essential for a free and fair election.
“I want to give full assurance,” he said.
The Prime Minister revealed that during the appointment process for the new Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nicole Haley, he had asked candidates what their first priority would be in preparing for the 2027 election.
He said that Dr. Haley’s response was immediate and clear to make the Common Roll transparent so every Papua New Guinean could check whether they were properly registered to vote.
Mr Marape said that commitment gave the government confidence in her leadership and assured Parliament that the government would support the Electoral Commission in delivering an open and credible Common Roll.
He also called on citizens to play their part by checking their names once the roll is published and encouraged councillors, political parties and election candidates to assist with updating voter information.
The Prime Minister said the government wants to improve the integrity of the electoral process, even if not all planned reforms can be completed before 2027.
“We will give our very best to make sure the integrity of the Common Roll is not questioned and that every voter is given the opportunity to see whether they are enrolled,” he said.
Mr Marape also announced that the government is considering several electoral reforms, including introducing multi-day polling in the Highlands to allow more time for people in remote communities to vote and reduce election-related problems.
He said tougher penalties are also being proposed for anyone who interferes with the Common Roll or engages in illegal election activities.
Mr Marape said the government would continue working with the Electoral Commission, political parties and the Parliamentary Committee on Election Matters to ensure the 2027 election is conducted in a fair, transparent and credible manner.