While eight months away from the National General Elections 2027 in PNG, Dr. Nicole Haley was sworn in yesterday to deliver a free, fair and safe election outcome.
She wasted no time with the call on everyone to support her with the staff to deliver better election results next year.
She was finally sworn into office following a month of delay since her appointment as the PNG Electoral Commissioner.
Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae officiated the swearing-in at Government House in Port Moresby yesterday.
Haley’s swearing-in was made possible after the Supreme Court refused a stay order filed by Gulf’s Moripi Local Level Government (LLG).
Justice Derek Hartshorn refused it on the grounds of not being satisfied with the reasons submitted.
Haley, appointed on June 30 to serve a four-year term, signed her employment contract.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu, Ms. Taies Sansan, the Secretary of the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), PNG EC staff, and family members.
At the time of swearing-in, she arrived at the National Court House, where she took her oath of office in the presence of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika yesterday afternoon.
The Chief Justice congratulated Dr. Haley was on her appointment and urged her to begin preparations for the 2027 National General Election immediately.
“We are here to do our job, and we rely on you to do that job for the upcoming elections in February 2027, which is not too far away,” Chief Justice Salika said.
He described the responsibility ahead as a big task and called on Electoral Commission officers to support the new Electoral Commissioner.
“So, officers who are here assist the new Electoral Commissioner in her preparations for the 2027 National General Election. You have a big task ahead of you,” Chief Justice Sir Salika said.
He called on Dr Haley and her Electoral Commission staff to do their best to prepare for the election.
“The 2027 election is already upon us, so you’ve got no time to lose now.”
The Chief Justice acknowledged that Dr. Haley had gone through considerable media scrutiny over the past few days but said the focus should now be on preparing for the national elections.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted in accordance with Section 10 of the Organic Law, which requires the Electoral Commissioner to make the declaration of office before the Chief Justice or a judge of the National Court before entering upon the duties of office.
He confirmed that Dr. Haley had signed her contract at Government House and that all legal requirements had been completed before the ceremony.
The Chief Secretary to the government had also written to the Chief Justice on 4 August 2026 requesting that the declaration of office be administered.
He also noted that while the Electoral Commission is responsible for conducting elections, the courts remain prepared to deal with election petitions arising after polling.
“You have your own responsibilities during the elections. We will come and deal with all the petitions that come. We are ready for that,” he said.
Electoral Commissioner Dr. Nicole Haley thanked the people of Papua New Guinea and the leaders of this nation for her appointment as the PNG Electoral Commissioner.
“Your trust in my leadership holds value for me to deliver free, fair, and safe elections to exercise democracy for the people of Papua New Guinea,” Dr. Haley said.
“However, I need your assistance from the National Court, the police, every government agency, diplomatic partners, leaders, media personnel, and individual citizens of this nation,” Dr. Haley said.
“We will work closely together across the nation to deliver the best outcomes, rather than practicing corruption and bribery or manipulating the election process.”
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/chief-electoral-commissioner-dr-haley-to-be-sworn-in-this-afternoon/
“It must not happen,” Dr. Haley said.
The Electoral Commissioner said she is expecting to have a media conference anytime to outline all plans for the National General Elections 2027.