AFTER weeks of public speculation over who would take up one of Papua New Guinea’s most critical constitutional offices, Prime Minister James Marape announced this evening the appointment of Dr Nicole Haley as the country’s new Electoral Commissioner for a four-year term, describing the decision as both significant and timely as the nation prepares for the 2027 National General Election (NGE).
Prime Minister Marape said Dr. Haley’s appointment brings valuable knowledge, extensive experience, and independent expertise to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission at a critical time for the country.
An Australian national, Dr. Haley is a Professor of Anthropology and Pacific Politics at the Australian National University with more than 30 years of academic, research, and policy experience focused on Papua New Guinea. Her extensive work includes research on the country’s electoral systems, election administration, political participation, women’s representation, and electoral integrity. She has also contributed to major election studies and election observation reports, including the 2007 and 2017 NGEs, and has conducted extensive research into the practical challenges facing electoral processes across the country.
Mr. Marape said Dr. Haley’s experience and deep understanding of our electoral history will be invaluable in strengthening preparations for the 2027 election.
“Dr. Haley has studied our elections for many years. She understands both the strengths and weaknesses of our electoral system, including the challenges that have affected the integrity of elections over time. She has written and published extensively on PNG elections and understands the complexities of the electoral process, from the common roll, polling, counting, and declaration of results to election security, administration, and voter participation. Her expertise will be a significant asset as we work to strengthen our electoral processes and ensure credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in 2027,” he said.
Mr Marape said the appointment process was bipartisan, transparent, and rigorous, involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader James Nomane, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, and the Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections.
The Committee carefully considered all applications received for the position, shortlisted the leading candidates, and conducted comprehensive interviews before reaching its decision.
“We undertook an extensive assessment of each shortlisted candidate, including detailed discussions on how they would establish an impartial Electoral Commission for the 2027 National General Election and prepare the country to deliver a free, fair, and credible election despite the current challenges,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The Committee, including the Opposition Leader, was satisfied that Dr. Nicole Haley demonstrated clear, practical, and achievable strategies for delivering a transparent and inclusive election in which all Papua New Guineans can participate with confidence.”
He said the Committee was united in its view that Dr. Haley possesses the leadership, experience, and vision required to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s electoral system and ensure the successful delivery of the 2027 NGE.
He also acknowledged Acting Electoral Commissioner Ms Margaret Vagi for her service and participation in the appointment process.
He called on all officers of the PNGEC, from the headquarters to provincial and district offices, to work closely with the new EC and begin preparations for 2027 without delay. “The appointment process is complete. The work must now begin,” Prime Minister Marape said. “I will engage with Dr Haley and EC management in the near future to ensure that the Government, Parliament, public service, security agencies, provinces and districts all play their part in delivering an election that Papua New Guineans can trust.”
Prime Minister Marape said the bi-partisan nature of the appointment sends a strong message that the integrity of elections must remain above party politics. “This is not about Government or Opposition. It is about Papua New Guinea, our Constitution and the future of our Democracy,” he said.