Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea that the Government is fully committed to delivering a safe, free, fair, and credible 2027 National General Election, with extensive preparations already underway across all Relevant Agencies.
Prime Minister Marape made the assurance in Parliament today during Question Time in response to a series of Questions raised by East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird regarding the appointment of a permanent Electoral Commissioner, implementation of Electoral Reform recommendations, and funding for Election preparations.
The Prime Minister said the Government recognised the significance of the 2027 Elections as Papua New Guinea enters its 50th Anniversary era, stressing that every Citizen must have equal opportunity to exercise their Constitutional right to Vote. “Our people will get to exercise their Constitutional Section 50 Rights to Vote for Leaders of their choice,” Prime Minister Marape told Parliament.
On the issue of appointing a permanent Electoral Commissioner, Prime Minister Marape clarified that the process was already nearing completion and emphasized that the Appointment was undertaken independently through the Constitutional process. “I have issued my Instructions to the Chief Secretary to expedite the process and get it completed at the very earliest,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The process is almost nearing completion. Once complete, the Electoral Commissioner Appointment Committee will sit.” Prime Minister Marape further clarified that the Prime Minister does not personally appoint the Electoral Commissioner, noting that the Appointment process involves an Independent Committee comprising the Opposition Leader, Chief Justice, Chairman of the Public Services Commission, Chief Ombudsman Commissioner, and the Prime Minister. “This is an important Constitutional Office and we want certainty and leadership in place so preparations for the Election can continue without delay,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the work of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform and confirmed that Recommendations from the Committee were already being processed through Government and Cabinet mechanisms. “We are looking at the Recommendations carefully and those that require Legislative Support will certainly be brought into Parliament,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He announced that a Meeting of all Political Party Leaders would also be convened to ensure Bipartisan Consultation and Transparency regarding Election preparations and reforms. “I believe all Political Parties and Leaders must be informed at the same place and at the same time so that we all prepare equally and fairly for the next Election,” he said.
On Election Funding, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the high costs associated with conducting elections in Papua New Guinea’s challenging terrain and geography, but assured the nation that funding would not be an obstacle. “Election is a very expensive exercise, but Funding will not be an issue,” he stated.
The Prime Minister said Government had already allocated initial Funding in the 2026 Budget and would continue supporting preparations through supplementary Funding and the 2027 National Budget process. “This Government will not under-resource the Electoral Commission,” Prime Minister Marape emphasized.
However, he stressed the need for proper Accountability and itemized Expenditure Reporting by all Agencies involved.
“I need clear visibility on where this money is being spent. The country deserves detailed Accountability so that Government Funding is used prudently and correctly,” he said. Prime Minister Marape also outlined key Reforms and operational improvements being considered for the 2027 Elections, including stronger Security deployment, expanded Polling timeframes, and measures to eliminate block voting and intimidation. “We want to make sure Security is properly staged and protects the sanctified right of our people to Vote,” he said. “Every person must be given the Right to Vote in 2027.”
The Prime Minister said the Government was carefully reviewing Polling arrangements, especially in difficult areas where one-day Polling often created unnecessary tension and confusion. “Instead of one-day Polling, Provinces may need fair opportunities over two or three days so people in remote communities can properly cast their votes,” he stated. Prime Minister Marape reiterated that the Marape-Rosso Government was committed to strengthening Democratic integrity and ensuring all Political Parties and Candidates competed on a level playing field. “As part of our Nation’s 50th anniversary journey, we must all have a fair go. Elections must be fair for all parties and all people,” he said.
The Prime Minister also rejected Claims that Elections in parts of the Highlands were “rigged,” calling instead for collective National Effort to improve Election administration throughout the country. “We want to give fair Voting circumstances right across all parts of our country,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We inherited many of these challenges, but together we can fix them and ensure the best-performing Candidates are elected fairly by the people.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by encouraging all Stakeholders — Government Agencies, Political Parties, Candidates, Churches, Civil Society, and Citizens — to work together in ensuring the 2027 Elections uphold the Democratic values of Papua New Guinea. “We are preparing early because we want 2027 to reflect the maturity, stability, and Democratic progress of our country as we move into the next 50 years of nationhood,” Prime Minister Marape said.