The PNG Electoral Commission says it is taking decisive action to reduce the election readiness gap, safeguard public funds, and strengthen internal governance ahead of the 2027 National General Elections.
Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley in a statement released today responded to articles published in one of the dailies recently, stating the newspaper did not not seek comment from the Electoral Commissioner on funding, procurement, roll update or suspensions.
She acknowledged preparations for 2027 are critically behind schedule, blaming serious under-resourcing, financial mismanagement, indecision by previous management to adopt new technologies, failure to progress election reform, and lack of boundary work.
Haley said since assuming office in August 2026, EC has worked to close the gap and address legacy issues.
The PNGEC welcomed K150 million allocated in the recent Supplementary Budget.
She said due to the current situation, it has adopted a crisis management approach, establishing a dedicated delivery team under IDEC to streamline coordination and accelerate decision-making.
The commissioner said the team is addressing legacy issues including procurement irregularities, ghost workers, an aging workforce with officers’ past retirement age, and unresolved disciplinary cases through HR and payroll audits, ICT audits, and preparation for an independent financial audit for 2020-2025 by the Auditor-General.
The PNGEC said procurement delays are due to irregularities and lack of supporting documents, not lack of funds. It urged the public to verify election information and treat claims from unnamed officials with skepticism, with formal statements to come only from the Electoral Commissioner.
