The Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) has commenced consultations this week on the establishment of the new Motu Koita Open Electorate, which is set to be operational in the 2027 National General Elections.
The consultation process, led by the Legal Division of DPLGA, aims to gather views, insights and recommendations from the Motu Koitabu communities and key stakeholders on how best their representative to the National Parliament should be elected.
The team has begun engaging with community leaders, elders and relevant stakeholders to obtain feedback on how the new electorate should function politically, administratively, financially and legislatively.
This consultative approach ensures that the Motu Koita Open Electorate is established on a strong legal and governance foundation that reflects the aspirations of the Motu Koita people while remaining consistent with national laws and administrative frameworks.
The Motu Koita Open Electorate was approved by Parliament in 2021, following recommendations from the Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) Report.
The creation of this new electorate acknowledges the unique historical and cultural circumstances of the indigenous Motu Koitabu people — the traditional landowners of the Nation’s Capital.
While 13 new districts were approved in 2021, six have already elected their representatives to Parliament. The Motu Koita Open Electorate, however, is scheduled to become operational in 2027, allowing sufficient time to establish the necessary governance systems and frameworks for a smooth and effective transition.
As part of the ongoing consultations, DPLGA officials conducted meetings on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 in Vabukori, Korobesea and Mahuru villages.
The team visited Pari, Taurama and Kirakira on Thursday, 30 October, followed by Tatana and Baruni on Friday.
Consultations will continue next week in Poreporena Laurabada and Poreporena Lahara, followed by Elevala Lahara and Elevala Mirigini on Tuesday as well as with the Motu Koita Assembly and National Capital District authorities.
Community leaders and stakeholders have expressed strong appreciation to the National Government for recognizing the Motu Koitabu people’s long-standing call for representation in Parliament.
“This is our land — our ancestors lived here long before the city was built. For too long, we have been overlooked. Now, our voices will finally be heard and our prayers answered,” Korobesea Councillor Bonnie Cardigan said.
Many leaders highlighted that the Motu Koitabu people have been marginalized in their own land, often missing out on essential infrastructure and services such as roads, water supply and other basic amenities.
The establishment of the new electorate is therefore seen as a historic milestone toward ensuring fair representation and equitable development for the indigenous landowners of Port Moresby.
This initial consultation marks the first phase of a wider engagement process that will continue into next year.
Upon completion, the findings and recommendations will be compiled into a report to be presented to the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, for tabling in Parliament in 2026.
