PORT MORESBY, 30 JUNE 2025
The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) has confirmed that the Local-level Government (LLG) elections initially scheduled to commence on 12 July 2025 will now be delayed until late September 2025. The Commission attributed the postponement to a range of complex operational and financial challenges, and emphasized that the decision was made after careful consultation with key stakeholders.
Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai announced that the Commission had invoked its powers under Section 79(2)(b) of the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections to defer the commencement of polling. He also confirmed the use of powers under Section 96A to withdraw the writs in areas where the proper conduct of elections could not be guaranteed.
Sinai said he had informed the Minister for Provincial and Local Government Affairs, Soroi Eoe, of the decision, stressing that it had not been made lightly. He explained that the new timeline would prevent the elections from clashing with celebrations marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of Independence.
The PNGEC reiterated its commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections across the country, despite the challenges it faces. It said the decision to defer polling was based on multiple contributing factors that were beyond its control.
The Commission acknowledged that the delay would likely cause public frustration but urged understanding, assuring citizens that the integrity and transparency of the electoral process remained its highest priority.
