PNG Public Servants Given 29 October Deadline to Resign for 2027 Election Bid

Public servants across PNG who plan to stand in the 2027 National General Election have been told they must resign from their government positions no later than 29 October 2026 to meet legal requirements.

The deadline is outlined in a new Circular Instruction issued by the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), reminding all State employees that anyone seeking election must leave the Public Service at least six months before election writs are issued.

DPM Secretary Ms Taies Sansan

The directive, Circular Instruction No. 15 of 2026, was issued by DPM Secretary Ms Taies Sansan on 29 June. It applies to all public servants, heads of government departments, constitutional office holders, provincial administrators, employees of public authorities and other officers whose salaries are paid by the State.

Ms Sansan said the circular was intended to clarify the legal obligations under the Public Services (Management) Act 1995, as amended, for officers wishing to contest the 2027 National General Election.

She also confirmed that Circular Instruction No. 27 of 2021 has been withdrawn after the Supreme Court declared the Public Services (Management) (Amendment) Act 2021 invalid. As a result, the legal provisions that existed before the amendment remain in force.

Under Section 55 of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995, officers seeking public office must resign six months before the issue of election writs. With the Electoral Commissioner confirming that writs for the 2027 election will be issued on 29 April 2027, the final day for resignations falls on 29 October this year.

The circular requires employees to submit resignation notices to their agency heads, while department heads must lodge theirs with the relevant ministers, provincial governors or board chairpersons. Copies must also be sent to the Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management. The DPM said officers who resign will immediately lose their salaries, allowances and other employment benefits, return all government property and be removed from the payroll. Those unsuccessful in the election will not automatically regain their former positions but must apply through the normal recruitment process. Vacancies may be filled permanently or on an acting basis during the election period.

"This Circular Instruction intends to inform all Public Servants and all officers and employees of the State and other Public Authorities who wish to contest the 2027 National General Election (NGE) of the requirements of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995 (as amended), which are applicable in all Public Bodies for this purpose, in relation to resignation to contest in the NGE," Ms Sansan said.

"Further, note that Circular Instruction No. 27 issued on 21st September 2021 is hereby recalled as the Public Services (Management) (Amendment) Act 2021 was nullified by the Supreme Court. Hence, provisions in law prior to this annulled amendment are retained."

"This means public servants intending to contest the 2027 NGE can start giving notices for resignation to their employers as of the notice of this Circular Instruction, up to 29th October 2026."