Dr. Nicole Haley appointed as new Electoral Commissioner of PNG
Papua New Guinea now has a new Electoral Commissioner, with Prime Minister James Marape welcoming the appointment of Dr Nicole Haley in a major leadership change as the country intensifies preparations for the 2027 National Election.
The appointment was confirmed following the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee meeting held at the Melanesian Haus on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.
It comes as election security discussions continue in Port Moresby, where a three-day E-Peace Workshop is currently underway and set to conclude on Friday, 3 July 2026.
Earlier today, now outgoing Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi officially opened the workshop, calling for a united national approach to safeguarding election integrity, stressing that election security is a shared responsibility requiring coordination between all stakeholders, including electoral officials, police, and partner agencies.
The workshop has brought together representatives from the Electoral Commission and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to strengthen coordination and fine-tune preparations for safe and credible polling ahead of future elections.
However, in a statement issued tonight, Prime Minister Marape described Dr Haley’s appointment as “significant and timely,” saying it strengthens the country’s electoral leadership at a crucial stage of preparation for the 2027 polls.
He said the selection process was bipartisan, transparent, and rigorous, involving both Government and Opposition representatives.
Dr Haley, an Australian national and Professor of Anthropology and Pacific Politics at the Australian National University, brings more than 30 years of research experience, including extensive work on Papua New Guinea’s electoral systems, voter participation, and electoral integrity.
Prime Minister Marape said her deep understanding of PNG’s electoral challenges would be critical in strengthening systems from the common roll to polling, counting, and declaration processes.
“Dr Haley has studied Papua New Guinea Elections for many years.'
"She understands very well both the strengths and weaknesses of our Election system, including the challenges that have affected the integrity of Elections over time,” the Prime Minister stated.
“She has written and published extensively on PNG Elections and understands the intricacies of the Electoral process, from the common roll, polling, counting and declaration through to security, administration and voter
participation.”
He reiterated the Government’s central goal for the 2027 election: “One Person, One Vote,” stressing that every eligible citizen must be able to vote freely, safely, and fairly.
“My focus is simple: One Person, One Vote. Voting is a sacrosanct right of every citizen.'
"Every Papua New Guinean must have the opportunity to vote freely, safely and fairly for the leader of his or her choice."
"As we move beyond our 50th Anniversary and into the first National General Election of the next 50 years, Papua New Guinea must reach the point where 'one person, one vote' is respected at every polling place across the country.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted plans to improve transparency of the common roll, strengthen security arrangements, and ensure only authorised public servants administer election processes, warning that any abuse of duty will face legal consequences.
“Transparency in the common roll is fundamental."
"The common roll must be made available to voters, districts and provinces at the earliest possible time so that people can check their names, raise concerns and ensure that the Electoral process begins on a sound and credible foundation," Prime Minister Marape said.
He further acknowledged Acting Commissioner Margaret Vagi for her service and participation in the transition process, while calling on all Electoral Commission officers nationwide to begin immediate preparations for the 2027 election under the new leadership.
“The appointment process is complete. The work must now begin."
"I will engage with Dr Haley and the Electoral Commission management in the near future to ensure that the Government, Parliament, public service, security agencies, provinces and districts all play their part in delivering an Election that Papua New Guineans can trust.”
Prime Minister Marape said the bi-partisan nature of the appointment sends a strong message that the integrity of Elections must remain above party politics.
“This is not about Government or Opposition. It is about Papua New Guinea, our Constitution and the future of our Democracy."
Meanwhile, Dr. Haley has been appointed for a four-year term.