Former Kandep MP Don Polye has welcomed the appointment of Professor Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, expressing confidence in her ability to deliver a credible and transparent 2027 National General Election.
Mr. Polye said Professor Haley brings more than three decades of experience studying Papua New Guinea’s politics and elections through her work with the Australian National University, the University of Papua New Guinea and the United Nations.
He said in a statement that her appointment provides an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
“In my last 25 years as a Member of Parliament, I have noticed very few competent officers of the PNG Electoral Commission.”
“It is a very demanding responsibility; however, I know that Professor Nicole Haley is a competent person and will fill the role with distinction,” Mr. Polye said.
He said Professor Haley’s academic and professional background had given her extensive knowledge of Papua New Guinea’s political landscape and electoral system.
MP Polye, who is seeking a judicial reinstatement as Kandep MP, noted that Haley had contributed significantly to research on elections and governance through the Australian National University and had also strengthened collaboration between ANU and the University of Papua New Guinea.
“I know she has a wealth of experience in all aspects of the PNG National General Elections and will put it to practical use for this role,” he said.
“I welcome her appointment as the new Electoral Commissioner, and I place my confidence in her abilities and leadership skills to run a successful 2027 National General Election. I am convinced she will undertake her duties in a professional, transparent and upright manner.”
Mr. Polye said having an independent and capable Electoral Commissioner would help improve confidence in future elections.
“With a neutral person at the head of the National General Elections, I believe that biased elections, failed elections and election petitions will be minimized,” he said.
He also welcomed the appointment of another woman to a senior public office.
“I am also happy to see that once again a highly professional and competent woman has been appointed to a position of top authority,” he said.
Mr. Polye also congratulated outgoing Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi for her service, describing her performance as credible and expressing confidence that she would continue supporting the Commission during the leadership transition.
He commended the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee for what he described as the selection of a qualified candidate to lead preparations for the 2027 National General Election.
The 5-men committee comprised of the Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Public Service Commission Chairman and Parliamentary Chairman for such constitutional office appointments.