THE Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has warned public officials not to use government money or resources for political campaigns ahead of General Election 2027.
Speaking at the Icac Commissioners Regional Breakfast in Lae yesterday, acting deputy commissioner for operations, Ellenas Batari, said elections were one of the highest risk periods for corruption.
“Elections are not just political events. They represent one of the highest risk periods for corruption to thrive in any system,” Batari said.
He said public money moved quickly during elections, financial controls became weaker, and government officials often came under pressure to make rushed decisions.
Batari said electoral corruption included using District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP) and Provincial Services Improvement Programme (PSIP) funds for campaigns, awarding contracts to win political support, using government vehicles and assets during campaigns, and pressuring public servants to support candidates.
“These actions are not politics.
“They are corrupt.”
Batari said Icac would increase monitoring of government spending, check procurement and payment records, investigate election-related complaints more quickly and take action where there was evidence of wrongdoing.
“There will be no tolerance for abuse of office during elections.”
He reminded public officials that Icac investigators had the legal power to obtain documents, access financial records, trace money, question witnesses, and investigate any public agency.
“Public money is not campaign money. Public office is not a campaign tool,”he said.
Batari urged public officials to report suspected corruption, saying the law required people to report corrupt conduct.
He said Icac had received more than 200 complaints, started 25 investigations, carried out 15 search warrants and 12 arrest warrants, arrested 11 suspects, and now had nine cases before the courts.
Batari urged public servants to behave ethically.
“Protect the system. Protect public money. Protect the integrity of elections.
“Icac is watching, Icac is ready, and Icac will act.”
Acting commissioner Thomas Eluh said Icac would continue working with provincial governments to strengthen accountability and protect public funds.
