PM Marape Commits K200 Million For PNG 2027 General Elections

 PM Marape Commits K200 Million For PNG 2027 General Elections

Prime Minister James Marape says the Papua New Guinea Government has committed K200 million towards preparations for the 2027 National General Elections, urging the Electoral Commission to ensure the polls are free, fair, transparent and credible.

Marape confirmed that K50 million had already been provided to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission, with a further K150 million expected to be formally presented on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The additional funding was allocated through the 2026 Supplementary Budget.

 

“Our government has already provided K50 million, and we expect to present another K150 million, bringing our total commitment to K200 million,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He said the funding should lead to improvements in electoral preparations, including updating voter rolls, organising polling stations, arranging logistics, training election officials and strengthening security arrangements.

The Prime Minister also called for polling arrangements that would give voters enough time to cast their ballots, particularly those living in remote and difficult-to-access communities.

He suggested that authorities consider extending polling over several days, including a period of up to one week where necessary, rather than limiting voting to a single day.

“We must consider arrangements that give our people adequate time to vote, including polling over one week where necessary, rather than restricting everyone to a single day,” he said.

Marape further stressed that electoral officials, police, security personnel and public servants must perform their duties professionally and without political interference.

He said the responsibility for protecting the integrity of the election rested with those tasked with managing and securing the process.

“Run a fair election. Defend the electoral process and allow our people to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or interference.”