PNG Public Servants Given October 29 Deadline to Resign for 2027 Elections

Public servants in Papua New Guinea who intend to contest next year’s National General Election have until October 29, 2026, to resign from their positions, the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) has warned.

The deadline follows Section 55 of the Public Services (Management) Act, which requires intending candidates to leave the Public Service six months before the issue of election writs. With the writs scheduled for April 29, 2027, government employees planning to enter politics must complete their resignations by the end of this month.

 PNG Public Servants Given October 29 Deadline to Resign for 2027 Elections/Photo supplied

DPM Secretary Taies Sansan said the legal requirement must be observed by all public servants seeking to stand in the election.

The department has issued Circular Instructions No. 15, No. 18 and No. 24 of 2026 to guide officers and employees of government agencies through the process.

Ms Sansan said intending candidates must formally submit a Notice of Resignation, clearly stating that their departure from the Public Service is to contest the 2027 National General Election.

Copies of the resignation notices must also be forwarded to DPM for official records and verification.

To ensure compliance, the department has established an Election Technical Working Group to work alongside the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission.

The group will cross-check candidates’ nomination details against Public Service records once the relevant information becomes available from the Electoral Commission.

Officers who fail to meet the legal requirements or follow the department’s circular instructions may face administrative action in accordance with the law.

“DPM respects the right of public servants to seek elected office. At the same time, we have a responsibility to safeguard the integrity, neutrality and professionalism of the Public Service and to ensure that the transition from public service to political participation is undertaken lawfully and transparently,” Ms Sansan said.