PNG Elections Facing Integrity Crisis, Says Sam Koim

Papua New Guinea’s electoral system is facing a deep crisis that threatens the very foundation of democracy, according to former Internal Revenue Commission commissioner Sam Koim. Speaking after contesting the Dei by-election where he finished second, Koim said PNG must urgently address weaknesses in its election processes to restore public trust.

He stressed that election integrity should not be treated as a minor administrative issue but as the core pillar of democratic governance. Koim warned that when electoral systems are weak and vulnerable, the legitimacy of every law and policy that follows becomes questionable.

 PNG Elections Facing Integrity Crisis, Says Sam Koim

“If the system is weak, contested, and vulnerable, every law and policy that follows rests on shaky ground,” he said.

Koim raised concerns over irregularities during polling, claiming that in some locations, polling booths were effectively controlled by a handful of individuals who marked ballot papers in bulk, while ghost names on the common roll continued to undermine genuine voter participation. He described these issues as democratic vulnerabilities rather than simple administrative shortcomings.

He also pointed to the growing financial burden of elections in PNG, noting that the Electoral Commission has indicated around K500 million of public funds may be required for the 2027 National General Election. When additional operational expenses such as transport, accommodation and security are included, he said the overall cost could approach K600 million, with candidates and their supporters spending a similar amount.

Koim said combined public and private spending means the country is running what he described as a billion-kina electoral economy every five years, yet disputes continue to dominate post-election outcomes. Data from 2012 to 2022 shows that between 87 and 95 per cent of seats in the last three national elections were challenged in the Court of Disputed Returns, placing pressure on the judiciary and prolonging political uncertainty.

He further highlighted the social impact of disputed elections, saying communities are often divided, tensions rise, and property damage and loss of life occur as a result of contested legitimacy.

“These are real human consequences flowing from a system that too often produces contested legitimacy,” he said.

Koim is now advocating for reforms, including a modern electoral system based on biometric voter verification, automated voting and tabulation, and audit trails that voters can verify.

“Biometric systems can ensure that only eligible citizens vote, and only once. Automation reduces excessive human handling, limiting opportunities for manipulation. Faster counting, can ease prolonged uncertainty and prevent tension from escalating after elections,” he said.