Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today reaffirmed his Government’s firm commitment to delivering a modern, fair, and transparent National General Election in 2027 through the introduction of Papua New Guinea’s first-ever Biometric and Electronic Voting System.
Speaking in response to a question raised in Parliament by Moresby North East MP Hon. John Kaupa, Prime Minister Marape said the Marape-Rosso Government is determined to address long-standing issues of Voter Roll integrity, Election-related violence, and corruption that have marred past Elections.
“A promise we made to our nation after 2022 National General Elections still stands — that in 2027 we will deliver a better, safer, and more credible Voting platform,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “Our focus is on ensuring one person, one vote, and protecting the sanctity of every citizen’s right under Section 50 of our Constitution.”
The Prime Minister said that preparations for the 2027 Elections are already well underway, with 2026 set as the year for full-scale implementation of key reforms, including updating the Common Roll and integrating it with the National Identification (NID) System and Biometric data.
“The Census and NID programs provide a trusted Population database that will now form the foundation for cleaning up our Common Roll,” he explained. “For the first time, we will know exactly who is eligible to vote, based on verified data such as Age and Residency. This will eliminate duplication, ghost names, and fraudulent entries.”
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that previous Elections had been plagued by logistical and administrative weaknesses, particularly in the Highlands region where traditional and time-constrained manual Voting practices often led to irregularities.
“We must move beyond the old system that made genuine Voting in some areas practically unfeasible,” he said. “Technology and biometric identification will assist us to ensure every citizen votes freely, privately, and without interference.”
He added that under the new system, Voting could occur over multiple days if needed, allowing for safer and more orderly participation.
“With ID-based Voting, our people will know exactly when and where they are to vote. No one will tamper with the process. Each Voter will be identified, collect their ballot, and make their choice in confidence. That is the standard we are working toward for 2027.”
Prime Minister Marape also commended the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Review of the 2022 National General Elections, chaired by East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird, for its critical role in identifying deficiencies and recommending reforms. He said the Government will continue to work with the Committee to ensure a bipartisan approach to implementing Election improvements.
“Governor Bird’s Committee has provided a sound basis for reform. We are acting on their recommendations, ensuring that the Electoral Commission is restructured, resourced, and ready,” the Prime Minister said.
He further announced that a dedicated Ministerial oversight role has been established to supervise day-to- day progress on Electoral reforms, with support from the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs, and the National Statistical Office.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by assuring Parliament and the nation that the 2027 National General Elections will mark a historic shift toward transparency and credibility.
“To our people, I give my assurance — the next Elections will be better than any we have held before,” he said. “Through technology, good data, and bipartisan cooperation, we will ensure every eligible Papua New Guinean has their rightful say in choosing the next Government of our country.”