Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed the appointment of Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, describing it as a significant and timely decision for the country as it prepares for the 2027 National General Election.
Dr Haley was appointed following a Meeting of the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee at Melanesian Haus on Tuesday, 30 June, 2026. Prime Minister Marape said the appointment process was bipartisan, transparent and thorough, involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader Hon. James Nomane, Chairman of the Public Service Commission and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections. The Committee considered applications received for the position, shortlisted leading candidates and conducted detailed interviews before reaching its decision. “We went through exhaustive questioning with each of the shortlisted candidates, including on how they would create an impartial Election platform for 2027 and how they would prepare the country for a fair Election under the present constraints,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The Committee, including the Opposition Leader, was satisfied that Dr Nicole Haley demonstrated clear, practical and simplified strategies for delivering a fair Election in which all Papua New Guineans can participate.”
Prime Minister Marape said the appointment of Dr Haley, an Australian national with extensive academic, research and policy experience in Papua New Guinea Elections, brings important knowledge and independence to the Electoral Commission at a crucial time for the country. Dr Haley is a Professor of Anthropology and Pacific Politics at the Australian National University and has more than 30 years of research experience, including long-standing work on Papua New Guinea’s electoral systems, political participation, election administration, women’s political participation and electoral integrity. She has contributed to major studies and observation reports on PNG Elections, including the 2007 and 2017 National General Elections, and has researched the practical challenges facing Electoral processes across the country. Prime Minister Marape said Dr Haley’s experience and deep understanding of Papua New Guinea’s Electoral history will be essential in strengthening preparations for the 2027 National General Election. “Dr Haley has studied Papua New Guinea Elections for many years. She understands very well both the strengths and weaknesses of our Election system, including the challenges that have affected the integrity of Elections over time,” he said. “She has written and published extensively on PNG Elections and understands the intricacies of the Electoral process, from the common roll, polling, counting and declaration through to security, administration and voter participation.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s central objective for the 2027 Election is to protect the democratic right of every eligible citizen to freely choose leaders of their choice. “My focus is simple: One Person, One Vote. Voting is a sacrosanct right of every citizen. Every Papua New Guinean must have the opportunity to vote freely, safely and fairly for the leader of his or her choice. As we move beyond our 50th Anniversary and into the first National General Election of the next 50 years, Papua New Guinea must reach the point where ‘one person, one vote’ is respected at every polling place across the country.” The Prime Minister said one of the important priorities raised during the appointment process was greater transparency and early access to an accurate Common Roll. “Transparency in the Common Roll is fundamental,” he said. “The Common Roll must be made available to Voters, Districts and Provinces at the earliest possible time so that people can check their names, raise concerns and ensure that the Electoral process begins on a sound and credible foundation.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government will work with Dr Haley and the PNG Electoral Commission to ensure the Commission is properly supported with the policy direction, institutional backing, personnel, security arrangements and resources required to deliver a credible Election. He said the Government will issue firm policy instructions that only authorised Public Servants will administer Election processes, while public servants and members of security forces deployed for Election duties will be required to uphold the law and the integrity of the process. “Those entrusted with Election responsibilities must understand that they are serving the people and the Constitution, not candidates, parties or any private interest,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We will not tolerate public servants or security personnel facilitating illegal practices. Those who abuse their duties must face the appropriate consequences under the law and public service rules.”
The Prime Minister said the Government will also work towards stronger security arrangements, improved polling processes and practical Reforms to prevent the disruption, intimidation, fraud and malpractice that have undermined confidence in some past Elections. He said particular attention will be given to ensuring that citizens can vote in a free and safe environment, including through stronger Electoral roll management, improved voter identification systems where possible, better security planning and more orderly polling arrangements. “We must move away from practices that deny ordinary citizens their democratic rights,” Prime Minister Marape said. “I want the elderly woman to vote for the leader of her choice. I want the elderly man to vote for the leader of his choice. I want every young woman and young man who is eligible to vote to have the same right. This is the only time citizens directly participate in choosing the Government that will lead them. Therefore, Elections must be free, fair, safe and credible.”
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged Acting Electoral Commissioner Ms Margaret Vagi for her service and participation in the appointment process, while congratulating Dr Haley on her appointment to a four-year term. He called on all Officers of the PNG Electoral Commission, from the National Headquarters to Provincial and District Offices, to work closely with the new Electoral Commissioner 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 the Electoral Commission 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.