Northern province launches 2026 electoral roll update program

The 2026 electoral update program for Northern Province, including the photo roll initiative for Popondetta District, was officially launched on Wednesday in Popondetta by Minister for Administrative Services and Member for Popondetta, Richard Masere.

Speaking during the launch, Minister Masere announced that the district has allocated K700,000 to support the photo roll updating program across Popondetta District.

He said the program forms part of the biometric voter registration system, which will be coordinated by the Provincial Electoral Office to ensure all eligible voters in the district are captured.

Minister Masere said the biometric or electronic voting system is the way forward in improving the electoral process, adding that Popondetta District is the first district in Northern Province to take the lead ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

“The electoral roll is the only way to make elections better, stronger, and more credible, and this is the path Popondetta District is taking,” he said.

Masere also expressed the district’s commitment to working closely with the PNG Electoral Commission to ensure the successful implementation of the photo roll updating program.

Meanwhile, Northern Provincial Election Manager Daisy Hombogani thanked Minister Masere for making funding available to roll out the 2026 photo roll update program in the district.

Ms. Hombogani assured the minister and the people of Popondetta that the Provincial Electoral Office is prepared to begin the program on June 15, 2026.

She also called on residents of Popondetta District to cooperate with electoral officials to ensure the exercise is carried out smoothly throughout the district.