Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on Tuesday (04/08/26) underscored the Government’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible 2027 National General Election, saying every Papua New Guinean must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely and without intimidation.
Prime Minister Marape made the remarks after receiving a comprehensive briefing on 2027 election preparedness from Electoral Commissioner-designate Dr Nicole Haley.
The briefing was attended by Opposition Leader Hon. James Nomane, Police Minister Hon. Sir John Pundari, Defence Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore, Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, Finance and Implementation Minister Hon. Thomas Opa, Administrative Services Minister Hon. Richard Masere, senior commanders and officers of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, as well as political
party leaders, including People’s Party leader Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas, Social Democratic Party leader Hon. Powes Parkop, People’s Progress Party leader Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa, National Alliance Party leader Hon. Walter Schnaubelt, People’s Movement for Change leader Hon. Garry Juffa, and United Labour Party leader Hon. Sam Basil Jr. The attendance of Government and Opposition leaders, together
with senior security officials and political party leaders, reflected the broad national commitment to ensuring the 2027 National General Election is peaceful, secure, free, fair and transparent.
“The right to vote is one of the greatest democratic freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Every citizen has the right to elect the leader of his or her choice. It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that right is protected and that our electoral process is conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government would work closely with Dr Haley and the Electoral Commission to ensure every aspect of the 2027 National General Election was properly planned and implemented.
He said election preparedness must begin well before polling and involve close coordination between the Electoral Commission, security agencies, government departments and provincial administrations.
“The Electoral Commission cannot do this alone. Conducting a successful national election is a responsibility shared by the entire Government.
Prime Minister Marape noted that governments had consistently funded national elections over many years.
However, he said the priority now was to ensure more funding reached frontline election operations rather than being absorbed by administration.
“We have always found the money needed for elections. The real issue is ensuring that resources are directed to the core business of conducting elections—polling operations, transport, logistics, security and services that enable our people to vote.
“We don’t want investments in peripheral activities. We want investments in the core business of conducting elections. The field operations are what matter most.”
Prime Minister Marape stressed that transparency and accountability must underpin every stage of the election process.
“Transparent elections are everyone’s business, not just the Electoral Commission’s business. Every public institution has a role to play in protecting the integrity of our democracy.”
He thanked Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, Finance and Implementation Minister Thomas Opa and other government agencies for supporting election planning and said the Government would continue reviewing funding requirements as preparations progressed.
Recognising the country’s current fiscal pressures, including the impact of rising global fuel prices and international conflicts, Prime Minister Marape said the Government would continue to prioritise funding for essential constitutional responsibilities, including the national election.
The Prime Minister announced that another high-level election preparedness meeting would be held within the next month involving the Electoral Commission, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and other key stakeholders to finalise security arrangements ahead of polling.
He acknowledged the demanding nature of election work and pledged the Government’s support for Dr Haley and Electoral Commission staff.
“Elections are stressful for everyone involved. We want to ensure the Electoral Commissioner and her staff are fully supported so they can carry out their duties professionally and without unnecessary pressure.”
Prime Minister Marape reminded all public servants that they must remain politically neutral throughout the election period.
“The duty of public servants is not to decide how people vote. Their responsibility is to facilitate polling, maintain order and ensure every eligible citizen can freely and safely cast a vote for the leader of his or her choice.”
He said any public servant found interfering with the democratic process would be dealt with accordingly.
Prime Minister Marape also called on provincial administrators, district administrations, local-level governments, councillors, churches and community leaders to assist in improving the quality and accuracy of the common roll “The common roll is one of the foundations of a credible election. Councillors, churches and community leaders know their communities well and can help ensure eligible voters are correctly registered.”
The Prime Minister encouraged the Electoral Commission to embrace digital technology to improve transparency and public confidence in election administration.
He announced that the Government would make available more than 200 Starlink internet terminals to strengthen communications, improve connectivity in remote polling locations and enable faster reporting of election information.
“In today’s world, there is no reason why election information cannot be uploaded quickly and shared transparently. Technology gives us an opportunity to improve public confidence in the electoral process.”
He said faster digital reporting would allow candidates, political parties and the public to access polling and counting information more efficiently, particularly from remote areas.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea was entering a new era of election management and encouraged all stakeholders to work together over the coming months to deliver a credible election that would strengthen the country’s democracy.
“Every Papua New Guinean has the constitutional right to vote for the leader of his or her choice. Our responsibility as Government is to protect that right and ensure the Electoral Commission has every support necessary to deliver a credible, peaceful and transparent 2027 National General Election.”