Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a new person to run the Electoral Commission, she is Dr. Nicole Haley, and Prime Minister James Marape is content with the decision to appoint her as the new Commissioner.
In welcoming her, Prime Minister Marape described the appointment of the new Electoral Commissioner as a significant and timely decision for the country as it prepares for the 2027 National General Election (NGE).
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.
She was appointed following a Meeting of the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee at Melanesian Haus on Tuesday, 30th June 2026. Prime Minister Marape said the appointment process was bipartisan, transparent and thorough, involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader James Nomane, Chairman of the Public Service Commission and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections.
Prime Minister Marape said the appointment process was bipartisan, transparent and thorough, involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader James Nomane, Chairman of the Public Service Commission and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections.
The Committee considered applications received for the position, shortlisted leading candidates and conducted detailed interviews before reaching its decision.
“We went through exhaustive questioning with each of the shortlisted candidates, including on how they would create an impartial Election platform for 2027 and how they would prepare the country for a fair Election under the present constraints,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The Committee, including the Opposition Leader, was satisfied that Dr Nicole Haley demonstrated clear, practical and simplified strategies for delivering a fair Election in which all Papua New Guineans can participate.”
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s central objective for the 2027 Election is to protect the democratic right of every eligible citizen to freely choose leaders of their choice.
The Prime Minister said the Government will also work towards stronger security arrangements, improved polling processes and practical Reforms to prevent the disruption, intimidation, fraud and malpractice that have undermined confidence in some past Elections.
He said particular attention will be given to ensuring that citizens can vote in a free and safe environment, including through stronger Electoral roll management, improved voter identification systems where possible, better security planning and more orderly polling arrangements.
The Prime Minister acknowledged Acting Electoral Commissioner Ms. Margaret Vagi for her service and participation in the appointment process, while congratulating Dr Haley on her appointment to a four-year term.
He then called on all Officers of the PNG Electoral Commission, from the National Headquarters to Provincial and District Offices, to work closely with the new Electoral Commissioner and begin preparations for 2027 without delay.
