By Samantha Roger– UPNG Journalism Student
MEMBER for Jiwaka Simon Kaiwi has questions Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on whether the 2027 Election will operate using the electronic voting system.
He raised concerns on the issues faced in the past general elections regarding the distribution of ballot papers, counting and the administrative problems that further leads to other related problems.
“Elections related issues affects alot of famlies, the cost involved in lethal fees, health issues and all of these are time consuming and are caused in the way we administer it and that’s the main cause,” Kaiwi said.
Kaiwi questioned whether PNG is ready to use the electronic system.
He also suggested having the latest and updated voting system to be use in 2027.
“In the recent 2022 general election out of the 118 in this floor of the parliament that is available in this floor 102 of then were partitioned in court” he said.
PM Marape pointed out that his government have made a commitment to electoral reform and established a bipartisan committee to review the entire electoral processes.
“The electronic voting system is an option that is being seriously looked at but if we don’t in 2027 then sadily by 2032,” Marape said.
He clarified that if the electoral system is not ready by 2027 citizens will require a national ID whether biometrics ID or a manual ID to participate instead of the common roll.
“This government view a better electoral platform in 2027 as a fundamental gift to this nation post 2025 anniversary to compliment this, 60 million kina is out in budget for next year and will require more funding, but this is the start,” Marape said.
