PNG names Dr Nicole Haley to lead Electoral Commission

Prime Minister James Marape has announced Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea's new Electoral Commissioner, entrusting the election specialist with overseeing preparations for the country's 2027 National General Election.

The appointment follows weeks of speculation over the position and comes after what the Government described as a comprehensive bipartisan selection process involving both government and opposition representatives.

 PNG names Dr Nicole Haley to lead Electoral Commission

Mr Marape said Dr Haley's extensive knowledge of Papua New Guinea's electoral system and governance issues would strengthen the work of the Electoral Commission as planning for the next national election gathers pace.

Dr Haley is a Professor of Anthropology and Pacific Politics at the Australian National University and has dedicated more than three decades to researching political and electoral developments in Papua New Guinea.

Her research has covered election administration, electoral integrity, political participation, women's representation and voting systems. She has also contributed to election observation reports and studies relating to the 2007 and 2017 National General Elections.

The Prime Minister said the selection panel thoroughly examined applications before interviewing shortlisted candidates to assess their ability to lead an independent Electoral Commission capable of delivering credible elections.

He said committee members, including Opposition Leader James Nomane, agreed that Dr Haley demonstrated the leadership and practical approach needed to guide the commission through the challenges facing the 2027 election.

Mr Marape also thanked Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi for her contribution while the recruitment process was underway.

He said the focus would now shift to strengthening election preparations across the country, with support expected from government agencies, provincial administrations, districts and security forces.

"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."