Congratulating her, PNG Prime Minister James Marape has challenged newly sworn-in Electoral Commissioner Dr Nicole Haley to deliver a free, fair and credible 2027 National General Election.
He described her appointment as a merit-based choice and pledging the Government’s full support to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s electoral system.
Dr Haley was sworn in yesterday after emerging as the top-ranked candidate through what PM Marape described as a rigorous and transparent recruitment process, making her the country’s first substantive female Electoral Commissioner.
The Prime Minister congratulated Dr Haley on her appointment, saying her academic expertise, extensive research on elections and understanding of Papua New Guinea’s electoral challenges made her well qualified to lead reforms and restore public confidence in the country’s democratic process.
“Dr Haley is one of Papua New Guinea’s foremost scholars and experts on elections. She put her hand up for this important national responsibility, went through the full appointment process, ranked number one on merit, and today assumes one of the country’s most important constitutional offices.
“I offer my highest commendations and congratulations to Dr Haley. She has demonstrated a deep understanding of our electoral system, its strengths, its shortcomings and the reforms required to strengthen public confidence in our democracy.”
The Prime Minister noted that Dr Haley recently presented her vision for electoral reform and election preparedness before a broad multi-stakeholder forum attended by leaders of political parties, government agencies and civil society organizations.
“It was evident to everyone present that she has clarity of vision and a strong grasp of what needs to be done to deliver credible elections. The Government will stand behind her and provide resources to the best of our ability to ensure the Electoral Commission is properly equipped to carry out its constitutional mandate.”
PM Marape called on every officer within the Electoral Commission—from the national headquarters through provincial and district offices—to unite behind the new Commissioner and faithfully discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
“There is no greater national responsibility than enabling our people to freely choose those who govern them. The Electoral Commission is a constitutional office entrusted with protecting one of the most sacred rights of every Papua New Guinean—the right to vote freely and fairly.
“The Government will provide the necessary support and resources, but every electoral official will also be subject to public scrutiny. Every officer must perform his or her duties impartially, without favour, without fear and without allowing personal political preferences to influence the electoral process.”
The Prime Minister said the 2027 National General Election would carry historic significance as Papua New Guinea’s first national election after the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence.
“Democracy remains the form of government best suited to the diversity of Papua New Guinea. Our people come from thousands of tribes, languages and cultures, yet we are united through the democratic process that gives every citizen an equal vote.
“As we enter our next 50 years as an independent nation, we must demonstrate that our democracy has matured.”
PM Marape said every eligible Papua New Guinean—whether a young person voting for the first time or an elderly citizen casting perhaps their final ballot—must be able to vote without fear, intimidation, bribery or coercion.
“The young person who has just turned 18 and is casting a vote for the first time must be free to choose the leader who represents their future. Likewise, an elderly mother or father who wishes to exercise their democratic right must do so without intimidation or interference.
“No citizen should be forced, bribed or threatened into voting for any candidate. Elections must reflect the genuine will of the people.”
The Prime Minister also announced that the Government would continue strengthening transparency and accountability by involving experienced institutions and stakeholders throughout election preparations.
“We will seek the assistance of former Electoral Commissioners who remain available to provide advice and institutional knowledge. We also want respected independent organizations such as Transparency International Papua New Guinea and the National Research Institute to continue participating in election planning and oversight, alongside political leaders from both Government and Opposition.
“The bipartisan parliamentary committee, which includes Governor Allan Bird as a senior Opposition representative, will continue to play an important role in ensuring all political parties have confidence that the electoral process is fair, transparent and credible.”
PM Marape urged all Electoral Commission staff to support Dr Haley’s leadership as Papua New Guinea’s first substantive female Electoral Commissioner.
“It is a proud moment for our nation that, following two successive female Acting Electoral Commissioners, we now have our first substantive female Electoral Commissioner. I ask every officer of the Commission to rally behind Dr Haley and work diligently and faithfully in the service of our country.”
He also appealed to Papua New Guineans to vote responsibly and based on merit rather than inducements.
“I urge every voter to choose leaders on merit—not because of money, gifts, promises or a plate of food. Vote for leaders who will serve your communities and your country with integrity.
“If we all do our part-Government, the Electoral Commission, political parties, civil society and the people-we can demonstrate that the first election after our Golden Jubilee reflects a mature democracy where the people’s choice prevails. From a credible election comes a legitimate government, and from a legitimate government comes a stronger Papua New Guinea.”