Prime Minister James Marape has called for free, fair, transparent and credible 2027 National General Elections, confirming that the Government has already provided K50 million to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission and expects to formally present a further K150 million today, Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

Prime Minister Marape said the additional K150 million, allocated through the 2026 Supplementary Budget, would bring the Government’s total commitment to K200 million ahead of next year’s elections.

“Our government has already provided K50 million, and we expect to present another K150 million, bringing our total commitment to K200 million,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“With this level of funding, we expect the Electoral Commission to step up preparations and deliver free, fair and credible elections in which every eligible Papua New Guinean has the opportunity to vote.”

The Prime Minister said the funding must translate into improvements in electoral rolls, polling arrangements, logistics, training of election officials and election security.

He called for consideration of polling arrangements that would allow sufficient time for voters to participate, particularly in remote and difficult areas.

“We must consider arrangements that give our people adequate time to vote, including polling over one week where necessary, rather than restricting everyone to a single day,” he said.

“We must properly train our election officials and ensure police and security personnel are prepared to protect the electoral process.”

Prime Minister Marape stressed that electoral officials, police officers, security personnel and public servants must carry out their responsibilities professionally and impartially.

“Run a fair election. Defend the electoral process and allow our people to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or interference.”