ON Wednesday last week, acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi’s six-month term lapsed.
Yesterday Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament Ms Vagi’s acting appointment would be extended until a permanent electoral commissioner is appointed.
Our simple question is this: Why is the government delaying a permanent appointment.
Surely, the last six months should have been time enough to advertise, screen applicants and make an appointment.
With General Election 2027 (GE27) looming, one can only wonder why the delay in the appointment of an electoral commissioner.
This should take priority over all other appointments because a lot of preparation must take place right now for the upcoming national general elections.
The country has witnessed that Vagi, a career officer with the Electoral Commission, successfully conducted the recent by-elections for the Dei Open seat and New Ireland Regional seat under her watch.
She also has overseen a number of general elections under the command of her predecessors, making her the most viable prospect for the post.
In Parliament on Nov 19, 2025, Prime Minister James Marape confirmed the appointment of Margaret Vagi as the acting electoral commissioner.
Marape, the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee (ECAC) chairman, confirmed that the commission would be under the management of Vagi in her role as acting electoral commissioner.
She replaced Simon Sinai, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.
“Sinai has reached the retirement age of 60,” Marape said.
“His records were presented to the committee and the acting electoral commissioner was appointed.”
Marape directed Administrative Services Minister Richard Masere, who oversees the commission, to ensure that due process be followed and the position of electoral commissioner be advertised.
“We have 13 more months before the writs are issued for the 2027 general election,” he said.
“Competency needs to be restored to this office and we will complete that process.”
We remind the PM to follow his own advice.
Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae also confirmed Vagi’s appointment in a gazettal notice effective from Nov 20, 2025, for a period of six months. Marape then authorised an advertisement for the position of electoral commissioner, with applications due by Dec 19, 2025.
Earlier this month, Opposition Leader James Nomane said the appointment of a permanent Electoral Commissioner is crucial to properly plan and prepare for General Election 2027 (GE27).
Nomane said that as a member of the Ecac, established under Section 6 of the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections (OLNLLGE), the matter has yet to be resolved.
ECAC comprises the:
- PRIME Minister or a minister appointed by him, as chairman;
- OPPOSITION Leader or in his absence the Deputy Opposition Leader;
- CHAIRMAN of the appropriate Permanent Parliamentary Committee; and,
- CHAIRMAN of the Public Services Commission. Nomane said: “We are still waiting for that meeting but it has not happened yet.
“We will also be following up this week to speed up that meeting so a permanent electoral commissioner can be appointed to start to plan and prepare for GE27.”
And now that a permanent position has not yet been made, three questions need to be asked:
- How long will Vagi be acting in the post?
- Will she be given a permanent role as the Electoral Commissioner to serve a six-year term, as per Section 9 of the OLNLLGE?
- Is there a new candidate that could take her place?
The people of Papua New Guinea await with bated breath for answers to these questions.
If no response is given, then one of the most important democratic processes of the country would be in jeopardy.
