PM MARAPE WELCOMES DR NICOLE HALEY NEW EC COMMISSIONER

CAPTION: Newly appointed Electoral Commission Commissioner Dr Nicole Haley

PRIME Minister James Marape has welcomed the appointment of Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, describing the decision as a major step towards delivering a credible and transparent 2027 National General Election.

Dr Haley was appointed on Tuesday, June 30, following the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee meeting, which included the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader James Nomane, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections.

Prime Minister Marape said the bipartisan committee conducted a transparent and rigorous selection process, carefully assessing shortlisted candidates on their plans to deliver a free, fair and impartial election.

“We went through exhaustive questioning with each of the shortlisted candidates, including how they would create an impartial election platform for 2027,” Mr Marape said.

He said Dr Haley stood out for her practical approach and deep understanding of Papua New Guinea’s electoral system.

An Australian academic and Professor of Anthropology and Pacific Politics at the Australian National University, Dr Haley has more than 30 years of research experience in Papua New Guinea.

She has written extensively on the country’s elections, electoral administration, political participation, electoral integrity and women’s representation, and has contributed to observation reports on previous national elections.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need for greater transparency in the Common Roll, calling for voter lists to be released early so citizens can verify their enrolment before polling begins.

Prime Minister Marape said her knowledge of Papua New Guinea’s electoral history and challenges would be invaluable as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.

He reiterated that the Government’s key objective is to uphold the principle of “One Person, One Vote”, ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote freely, safely and fairly.

He pledged the Government’s full support for the PNG Electoral Commission through improved policy direction, adequate resources, stronger security arrangements and institutional backing.

Mr Marape warned that only authorised public servants would be allowed to administer election processes and said any officials or security personnel involved in illegal practices would face disciplinary and legal action.

“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,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape thanked Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi for her service and congratulated Dr Haley on her four-year appointment.

He urged Electoral Commission officials across the country to begin preparations immediately, saying the bipartisan appointment demonstrated that protecting the integrity of elections must remain above politics.

“This is not about Government or Opposition. It is about Papua New Guinea, our Constitution and the future of our democracy,” he said.

He also flagged reforms aimed at strengthening voter identification, improving polling arrangements and preventing intimidation, fraud and other election-related malpractice.