PNG appoints Dr Nicole Haley as new Electoral Commissioner

Dr Nicole Haley

Papua New Guinea has appointed respected academic Dr Nicole Haley as the country's new Electoral Commissioner, ending weeks of public anticipation over who would take charge of one of the nation's most important constitutional offices ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

Prime Minister James Marape announced the appointment yesterday, saying Dr Haley will serve a four-year term and lead preparations for an election that must be credible, transparent and inclusive for all Papua New Guineans.

Mr Marape said Dr Haley brings decades of experience in research, policy development and election studies focused on Papua New Guinea, making her well placed to guide reforms within the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission.

Dr Haley, an Australian national, is a Professor of Anthropology and Pacific Politics at the Australian National University. She has spent more than 30 years researching Papua New Guinea's political landscape, with particular emphasis on electoral systems, election management, political participation, women's representation and electoral integrity.

Her work includes involvement in election observation missions and major election studies, including the 2007 and 2017 National General Elections, as well as research into the operational challenges faced during polling, counting and the declaration of results across the country.

Mr Marape said her understanding of PNG's electoral history would help improve preparations for the 2027 polls.

He said the appointment followed a bipartisan selection process involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader James Nomane, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections.

According to Mr Marape, the committee reviewed applications, shortlisted candidates and carried out detailed interviews before agreeing on Dr Haley's appointment.

He also acknowledged Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi for her service during the transition and urged Electoral Commission officers throughout the country to begin preparations for the next national election immediately.

"Dr. Haley has studied our elections for many years. She understands both the strengths and weaknesses of our electoral system, including the challenges that have affected the integrity of elections over time. She has written and published extensively on PNG elections and understands the complexities of the electoral process, from the common roll, polling, counting, and declaration of results to election security, administration, and voter participation. Her expertise will be a significant asset as we work to strengthen our electoral processes and ensure credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in 2027," he said.

"We undertook an extensive assessment of each shortlisted candidate, including detailed discussions on how they would establish an impartial Electoral Commission for the 2027 National General Election and prepare the country to deliver a free, fair, and credible election despite the current challenges.

"The Committee, including the Opposition Leader, was satisfied that Dr. Nicole Haley demonstrated clear, practical, and achievable strategies for delivering a transparent and inclusive election in which all Papua New Guineans can participate with confidence."

"The appointment process is complete. The work must now begin. I will engage with Dr Haley and EC management in the near future to ensure that the Government, Parliament, public service, security agencies, provinces and districts all play their part in delivering an election that Papua New Guineans can trust."

"This is not about Government or Opposition. It is about Papua New Guinea, our Constitution and the future of our Democracy."