Ipatas says past polling ‘fell short’ of expectations, pledges support for new EC

Enga Governor Chief Sir Peter Ipatas has issued a blunt assessment of the country's voting history, admitting that past election performances have repeatedly failed the people of Papua New Guinea.

However, the veteran statesman believes a turnaround is coming with the appointment of Dr. Nicole Haley as the new Electoral Commissioner.

Sir Peter endorsed Dr. Haley’s appointment, praising Prime Minister James Marape and the National Government for making a critical decision for the future of PNG’s democracy.

"Having contested six elections over the course of my political career, I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by the Electoral Commission," Sir Peter said. "There have been too many times when its performance has fallen short of the expectations of our people."

He said the EC carries a tremendous responsibility to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote, and that every vote is counted fairly and transparently. The Enga governor said the success of the upcoming 2027 National General Election will not rely on the Electoral Commission alone, but on a collective national effort.

"The Commission must be supported with adequate resources, systems, and the cooperation of all stakeholders," he said. "Delivering a credible election is a shared national responsibility."

Sir Peter called on the immediate cleanup of the voter registry as the first major hurdle for the incoming Commissioner. He stated that the integrity of the electoral roll is fundamental to public confidence, urging all provincial, district, and local-level governments to throw their full support behind the current update and verification exercise.

He also extended his gratitude to Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi and her staff for steering the Commission through the crucial transition period. Sir Peter said he looks forward to working constructively with Dr. Haley and pledged the full support of Enga people.

"Papua New Guinea deserves elections that are peaceful, credible, transparent, and trusted by our people," Sir Peter said. "Democracy is strengthened not only by good laws, but by the confidence our people have in the institutions that uphold them."