PRIME MINISTER ASSURES NATION OF FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE 2027 ELECTIONS

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 this week 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.

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.

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.

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.