Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has clarified the Government’s position regarding a possible by-election for the Telefomin Open seat, stating that while the process is constitutionally governed by the Electoral Commission, the Executive Government has raised concerns about timing and cost given the proximity of the 2027 National General Election.

Prime Minister Marape made the remarks in Parliament while responding to a question from West Sepik Governor Hon. Tony Wouwou, who asked whether consideration could be given to the timing of a by-election for Telefomin in light of the limited time remaining before the next national election.

Before addressing the issue, Prime Minister Marape conveyed condolences to families and communities following the passing of several national leaders.

“I want to once again pass my condolences and pay tribute to leaders who have recently gone to rest, including the late Hon. Solan Mirisim and the late Hon. Luther Wenge,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister also congratulated newly elected Members of Parliament who have recently entered Parliament.

“I want to recognise in our Parliament for the first time Hon. Desmond Kipa, and on behalf of my family, my people of Tari-Pori, the Pangu Pati network across the country, and the Government that I lead, I offer my heartfelt congratulations on winning the Dei Open seat.

“Likewise, I extend congratulations to Hon. Byron Chan for winning the New Ireland Regional seat previously held by one of the founding fathers of our nation, the late Right Hon. Sir Julius Chan.”

Turning to the issue raised by Governor Wouwou regarding the Telefomin vacancy, Prime Minister Marape emphasised that the conduct of elections remains the constitutional responsibility of the Electoral Commission, not the Executive Government.

“I have no direct say in the conduct of elections. That responsibility lies squarely with the Electoral Commissioner and the Electoral Commission,” he said.

However, the Prime Minister noted that the country is already approaching the period leading up to the 2027 National General Election.“We are approximately 13 months away from the issuance of writs for the 2027 national election. The law provides that a by-election cannot be held within 12 months of the return of writs for a general election.”

Prime Minister Marape said the Government is mindful of the significant financial costs associated with holding by-elections.

“The estimated cost of conducting by-elections currently before the system is more than K100 million,” he said.

“I want to state clearly that the Government does not have K100 million allocated in this year’s budget to facilitate such by-elections.”

He said the Government had therefore asked the Minister for Administrative Services to examine the issue and provide advice on whether resources should instead be focused on preparing for the 2027 National General Election.

“We must weigh whether it is prudent to expend substantial resources on by-elections at this stage, or preserve those resources and energy to ensure that the 2027 national election is properly prepared and conducted,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister noted that in the case of Telefomin, interim administrative leadership arrangements are already in place at the district level.

“Where vacancies exist, there are already ex-officio leadership arrangements that ensure governance continues at the provincial and district levels,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape reiterated that while the Government can provide advice, the final decision rests with the Electoral Commission.

“Ultimately, the decision lies with the Electoral Commissioner and the Electoral Commission, which are independent constitutional authorities. The Executive Government will respect whatever decision is made in accordance with the law.”

Prime Minister Marape said the Government remains committed to ensuring that Papua New Guinea’s electoral processes are conducted in a responsible and financially sustainable manner while maintaining full respect for the Constitution and the independence of electoral institutions.