Marape announces big election reforms for 2027

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that the Government will introduce major changes to improve how elections are run before the 2027 National General Election.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Mr. Marape said the reforms will make future elections fair, transparent, and credible.

The reforms will include biometric and ID-based voting, the appointment of a new Electoral Commissioner, and a complete clean-up of the national Common Roll.

Mr. Marape said the goal is to make the election fair, transparent, and credible, ensuring that every citizen has “one person, one vote, one ballot paper.”

"Our people deserve to vote freely and fairly. We want an election that truly reflects the will of our people,” the Prime Minister said.

He announced that the 2026 National Budget will include special funding to help the Electoral Commission prepare early for the 2027 polls. This is to avoid last minute problems that have affected previous elections.

The Government will also use data from the national census in 2026 to update and clean the Common Roll so that every eligible voter is properly registered.

Mr. Marape said the Government plans to have a biometric or ID-based voting system ready by 2027.

He also confirmed that a new Electoral Commissioner will be appointed soon, as the current commissioner has reached retirement age. The Electoral Commission Appointments Committee, which includes the Opposition Leader, is overseeing this process.

The Prime Minister said these reforms come at an important time as Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of Independence.

"As our nation turns 50, this is our gift to democracy, a better, cleaner, and more transparent voting system for 2027 and beyond,” he said.

The Prime Minister called on all citizens to take part in the upcoming Common Roll update and make sure their names are listed.

“Every citizen must make sure their name is on the roll. This is your right to vote,” he said.

Mr. Marape said 2026 will be a key preparation year, focusing on better data sharing between the National Statistics Office and the Electoral Commission, improving logistics for remote areas, and ensuring election integrity.

“We will clean up the process once and for all. With biometric or ID-based voting, we will deliver an election our people can be proud of.”