PNG Pushes Women Into Politics with Mandatory Party Quota

WITH the 2027 National General Election approaching, Papua New Guinea has introduced a legal requirement compelling political parties to include women among their endorsed candidates.

The new provision, announced by Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission Registrar Emmanuel Pok, sets a minimum threshold of 10 per cent female representation within party endorsements.

Mr Pok said the measure is enforceable by law and applies across all registered political parties, adding that non-compliance over two elections will lead to deregistration.

He described the reform as a positive step towards ensuring women are given a fair opportunity to participate in national leadership. The law, passed earlier this year, is seen as a major shift in the country’s political landscape.

Despite the progress, Mr Pok said women continue to face obstacles ranging from negative public perceptions to challenges experienced during campaigning and polling.

He said updated conduct rules now require political stakeholders to foster a respectful and supportive environment for women candidates throughout the election process.

In addition, the Commission has teamed up with UNDP and UN Women to run the Women Make a Change program, which focuses on identifying and nurturing potential female leaders across communities.

Mr Pok also urged women with political ambitions to actively engage with parties, stressing that participation starts from within. “One of the challenges that I’ve always advocated for is that women leaders must go and join a political party if they have that intention to contest for elections, they must go and join a political party, and be a voice in that party,” he said.