By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) is undergoing its first audit in more than a decade as it moves to address serious financial management concerns ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
Electoral Commissioner Dr Nicole Haley said the Commission had not been audited since 2014, with audit
preparations now underway uncovering significant concerns about financial governance, including practices that could potentially constitute
criminal conduct.
Dr Haley, who assumed office in August 2026, said an independent firm had been engaged to begin the audit, while the Auditor-General’s Office had requested access to financial records covering the period from 2020 to 2025.
“For the past decade, there hasn’t been a single audit of election funds. We have now brought in a firm that has started that work, and the Auditor records from 2020 through to 2025,” she said.
Commissioner Haley said a private firm has been engaged to prepare the records, with one financial year to be completed each month starting in October with 2020, followed by 2021. She added,by the time writs are issued for the 2027 election, the Commissionis expected to be up to date.
“That audit preparation work has uncovered a huge number of issues, both in terms of financial governance, and equally practices that most people would consider to be criminal. Those investigations are ongoing at the moment,” said commissioner Haley.
The Commissioner concluded that the current state of preparedness has necessitated a crisis management approach, with the Inter Departmental Electoral Committee (IDEC) endorsing a dedicated delivery-oriented crisis management team to streamline coordination and drive accelerated
decision-making.
Thank very much prof Comm NH
Job well done, especially thank to media team too
Speaking as regular election TEW as Admin/Logistics inNCD Election Office
Very sorry for service providers especially vehicles owners always under paid since 2012 NGE. Always wander where isvthe Money gone, even TEW Contracted officers don’t get their actual contracted amount, never give up but continue to assist for the sack of our nation.
Appeal to Comm NH, get those responsible behind bars, check their assets how they more vehicles, houses (properties) etc
Those are the stupid failing the hard working service providers n TEW casual officers.
Also help with media to continue upload everything, I knew service providers and TEW will be right behind u all. Thanks
Thanks