By DALCY LULUA
PUBLIC servants intending to contest the 2027 National General Election must resign from the Public Service by today, October 29, to comply with the law.
The Department of Personnel Management (DPM) issued the reminder on October 20, urging intending candidates to complete the required resignation process before the mandatory deadline.
DPM Secretary Taies Sansan said Section 55 of the Public Services (Management) Act requires public officers intending to contest the election to resign six months before the issue of election writs.
With the writs for the 2027 National General Election scheduled to be issued on April 29, 2027, intending candidates must ensure their resignations take effect no later than today.
“This is a legal requirement and officers intending to nominate should take the necessary action before the deadline,” Ms Sansan said.
She urged officers to formally submit their notices of resignation, clearly stating that they were resigning to contest the 2027 National General Election.
Officers and employees must also provide copies of their resignation notices to DPM for official records and verification.
Ms Sansan said DPM had issued Circular Instructions No. 15, No. 18 and No. 24 of 2026 to guide public servants and employees of government agencies intending to contest the election.
The department has also established an Election Technical Working Group to work with the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission to verify nominated candidates against public service records and determine their compliance with Section 55 of the Act.
Verification will be conducted once nomination information becomes available from the Electoral Commission.
Public servants who fail to comply with the legislative requirements and circular instructions may face administrative action in accordance with the law.
Ms Sansan said DPM respected the right of public servants to seek elected office but had a responsibility to protect the integrity, neutrality and professionalism of the Public Service.
She said the transition from public service to political participation must be undertaken lawfully and transparently.
Public servants intending to contest the election were urged to familiarise themselves with the relevant circular instructions and complete their resignation processes by today’s deadline.
Resignation notices can be submitted to the Secretary’s Office at secretarysoffice@dpm.gov.pg.