Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the Marape-Rosso Government is stepping up preparations for the 2027 National General Election, while continuing to strengthen PNG’s Border Security and engage constructively with Regional Partners on Human Rights and other shared concerns.
Prime Minister Marape made the comments during a Press Conference upon his arrival at the APEC Terminal at Jackson’s International Airport this afternoon, following his attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. On preparations for the 2027 Election, Prime Minister Marape announced that K150 million budgeted for Electoral Commission preparations was ready to be released. He called on the Electoral Commission to ensure the Funding was directed towards essential Election requirements, including Ballot Papers, Ballot Boxes, Electoral Roll work and Security preparations. “Don’t waste this K150 million we’re going to pass through. Procure the Ballot Papers. Procure the Ballot Boxes. Have a clear Security Plan in sight,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We want to go to the 2027 Elections prepared well, so you people can cast a ballot and vote on a leader of your choice that you feel can best represent you.” Prime Minister Marape said approximately K50 million had also been set aside for Police and Defence Pre-Election Planning, stressing that PNG must begin preparations well ahead of Polling. He urged the Electoral Commission to avoid excessive Administrative Expenditure and concentrate funding on areas directly contributing to a credible and well-organised Election. “You’d rather invest in Ballot Papers, Common Roll Update and Police preparation. These are better spent than hire cars and allowances,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape also responded to questions regarding West Papua and longstanding calls by Pacific Leaders concerning reported Human Rights issues. He said PNG respected Indonesia’s sovereignty while also respecting collective decisions made by Regional Bodies. “Papua New Guinea’s individual position will stand in no way of a Body of Leaders making collective decisions,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We respect the sovereignty of the other half of the island, that is Indonesia. But on matters of Human Rights, we are entitled to speak on it and other Leaders have raised it. We stand behind this one.” Prime Minister Marape said he would write to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and expected to discuss these matters during further engagement on the margins of APEC 2026. He also indicated he would speak with the Indonesian Ambassador as PNG continued addressing the matter through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of PNG’s International Security Partnerships in strengthening the country’s borders against Transnational Crime. He said PNG’s Defence Cooperation with the United States and Australia was not only about Conventional Defence but also about improving management and protection of PNG’s international borders. “Our work with the U.S. in respect to Defence Cooperation, as well as our work with Australia in the Defence Treaty, works to strengthen our border movement in and out and our Border Security,” Prime Minister Marape said. “That includes whether it’s Human Trafficking or Drug Trafficking. My meeting with U.S. Officials is also deeply inside this—it goes to protect our international borders.”
Prime Minister Marape also highlighted ongoing PNG-US Cooperation on Fuel Storage Infrastructure under the Defence Cooperation Agreement, saying this had broader implications for PNG and Pacific Fuel Security. “USA is partnering us. We’re moving in a big way in Fuel Storage through our Defence Cooperation Agreement with them,” he said. “Right outside of Port Moresby, there will be huge Fuel Bunkering—not just for the supply of Defence Aircraft, but more importantly to make sure Pacific and PNG have Fuel Security as we go forward.” Prime Minister Marape said PNG would continue to maintain constructive Relationships with all International Partners while ensuring these Relationships translated into practical benefits for the country, including stronger Borders, improved National Security, Trade and Investment opportunities, Energy Security and Regional stability.