Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured Papua New Guineans that the Government remains fully committed to protecting Democratic Rights and ensuring a free, fair, safe, and credible National General Election in 2027.
Responding during Question Time in Parliament today to Questions raised by Moresby North East MP Hon. John Kaupa regarding Election preparations, Candidate eligibility, Voter qualifications, Nomination fees, and other Election-related matters, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s Constitution provides clear protections for Citizens to both Contest Elections and exercise their Right to Vote. The Prime Minister said preparations for the 2027 National General Elections were well underway and that the Government, through the Electoral Commission and relevant State Agencies, was working to strengthen Electoral systems, Voter awareness, Voter registration processes, Security arrangements, and Administrative preparations ahead of Polling.
Prime Minister Marape emphasized that Section 50 of the National Constitution guarantees the Right of every Eligible Citizen to seek Public Office without discrimination. “Section 50 of our Constitution avails the Right to Contest to anyone without discrimination. I do not think it would be in the spirit of our Constitution to curtail the Right of Contest. That Right remains the Right of every Candidate,” Prime Minister Marape told Parliament. He noted that while anyone who meets the Legal Requirements has the Right to Nominate, the ultimate decision rests with the people of Papua New Guinea. “Anyone can Contest, but the Voters have a greater Right to decide who they Vote into Office or not. These are two sides of the same coin – the Right to Contest and the Right to Vote – both emanating from Section 50 of our Nation’s Constitution,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape explained that existing Electoral Laws already contain important qualifications and safeguards relating to Candidate Eligibility, including age requirements and restrictions on individuals with certain criminal convictions or legal impediments. “These qualifications are already built into our Laws. The overall spirit of our Constitution is to maintain the Right of Citizens to participate in the Democratic process while ensuring appropriate Standards are upheld,” he said. The Prime Minister said the Government was not considering any immediate moves to restrict the Constitutional Rights of Citizens to contest Elections. “This Government is not looking to curtail the Rights of Candidates to contest Elections. As our Democracy continues to mature, future Parliaments may review certain Matters if necessary, but our focus today is to uphold the Constitution and strengthen Democratic participation,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape also addressed concerns relating to Election Petitions and the Recovery of Costs by successful Candidates, noting that Legal avenues already exist within the current framework for those who successfully defend Election Petitions.
Looking ahead to 2027, the Prime Minister urged Eligible Citizens to ensure they are properly enrolled to Vote and encouraged prospective Candidates to prepare themselves responsibly for Public Service. “The 2027 National General Elections are now less than a year away. This is an important period for our country. I encourage all Eligible Voters to participate in the Electoral process and all aspiring Leaders to engage respectfully and responsibly as they seek the trust of our people,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said the Government remains focused on delivering a Peaceful and Orderly Election that reflects the will of the people and further strengthens Papua New Guinea’s Democracy. “Democracy belongs to our People. The Government’s responsibility is to protect the Integrity of the process, ensure Citizens can freely exercise their Rights, and maintain public confidence in our Electoral system.”