K150m ready for election prep: PM

Prime Minister James Marape has confirmed that K150 million budgeted for 2027 national election preparations is ready for release, with an additional K50 million set aside for security operations.

Speaking at Jackson’s International Airport on Tuesday after returning from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Marape urged the Electoral Commission to exercise strict financial discipline and avoid unnecessary spending.

He said the allocated funds must go directly towards primary logistical priorities, including the procurement of ballot boxes, updating the common roll, and rolling out security preparations.

“Don’t waste the K150 million we are going to pass through,” Marape said.

“Procure the ballot papers, procure the ballot boxes, (and) have a clear security plan inside.

“For police and defence, we have about K50 million set aside for police and defence, pre-election planning.

“We want to go into the 2027 elections prepared well so you people can cast a ballot and vote on a leader of your choice that you feel can best represent you.

“So I want to also indicate we are planning well for Election 2027, and Electoral Commissioner, very soon your commission will receive K150 million.”

Marape’s assurance on election funding comes on the heels of an internal audit undertaken by the Electoral Commission, which led to the suspension of several senior officers.

Former acting electoral commissioner Margaret Vagi and deputy commissioner Kila Vane are among those suspended.