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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Expert Group on Papua New Guinea Electoral Process recommends major changes

15 November 2002

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon announced today that the Commonwealth Expert Group charged with examining the electoral process in Papua New Guinea has presented its report.

The Secretary-General said: "The 2002 National Elections represented a considerable challenge to the electoral process in Papua New Guinea. After a formal request from Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, I constituted an Expert Group to examine the electoral process in the country and it has now submitted its report to me. I am grateful for the excellent support and assistance that the team received from the Government and people of Papua New Guinea whilst undertaking their visit.

"During its visit the Expert Group was able to gain a clear impression of the difficulties faced during the election period, particularly in relation to the Common Roll, security and planning. It has therefore made some clear and worthwhile recommendations to assist in enhancing the future management of the electoral process and the conduct of elections in Papua New Guinea. I have passed the Group's report on to Prime Minister Somare and to the acting Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andrew Trawen, for their consideration and action.

"I have indicated to Prime Minister Somare that the Commonwealth stands ready to assist his Government in the implementation of the recommendations, and looks forward to working to enhance the electoral process in Papua New Guinea before the 2007 elections."

The main recommendations announced in the Expert Group Report include:

· The creation of a three-member Electoral Commission, established under the Constitution. The Commission will be tasked with organising and conducting all elections within Papua New Guinea.

· The creation of a new Common Roll for Papua New Guinea through a complete exercise of re-registration of all electors, supported by a process of continuous updating of this new roll.

· The introduction of a voter ID card, with photo and registration number.

· A voter education programme, including emphasis on the introduction of the Limited Preferential Voting system and on the role of women in the political process.

Note to Editors:

The Commonwealth Expert Group was chaired by Mr Ieremia Tabai, the former President of Kiribati. Its other members were Mr Victor Ashby, Grenada; Mr Sayan Chatterjee, India; Mr Ian Dickson, Australia; and Mr Robert Patterson, Canada. It was assisted by Mr Jeremy Clarke-Watson of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Group was in Papua New Guinea from 27 October to 6 November and visited Port Moresby, Mt Hagan and Madang. While in the country it met with a wide cross section of government, electoral and civil society representatives.

The full Report of the Expert Group is available Here
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