Dr. Nicole Haley has officially assumed office as Papua New Guinea's Electoral Commissioner after signing her four-year contract and taking the oath of office at Government House on Thursday.
Dr. Haley presented herself before the Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, where she formally signed her contract during a ceremony witnessed by Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu.
Following the contract signing, Dr. Haley appeared before the Chief Justice to take the official oath of office and was formally sworn into office, completing all constitutional and administrative requirements to assume the role of Electoral Commissioner.
With the completion of these formalities, Dr. Haley now holds the full powers and responsibilities of the Electoral Commissioner and will lead the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission over the next four years.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time as the Electoral Commission accelerates preparations for the 2027 National General Election.
Key activities are already underway, including the nationwide electoral roll update, voter enrolment, and other electoral preparations aimed at ensuring a credible and transparent election.
As Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Haley will oversee the administration of the country's electoral processes and provide strategic leadership in delivering free, fair, and inclusive elections across Papua New Guinea.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has extended his highest commendations and congratulations to Dr Nicole Haley following her swearing-in today as Papua New Guinea’s Electoral Commissioner, describing her appointment as a victory for merit, professionalism and the nation’s democracy.
Prime Minister Marape said Dr Haley’s appointment followed a rigorous and transparent selection process in which she emerged as the top-ranked candidate on merit.
“Dr Haley is one of Papua New Guinea’s foremost scholars and experts on elections. She put her hand up for this important national responsibility, went through the full appointment process, ranked number one on merit, and today assumes one of the country’s most important constitutional offices.
“I offer my highest commendations and congratulations to Dr. Haley. She has demonstrated a deep understanding of our electoral system, its strengths, its shortcomings and the reforms required to strengthen public confidence in our democracy.”
Prime Minister Marape then called on every officer within the Electoral Commission—from the national headquarters through provincial and district offices—to unite behind the new Commissioner and faithfully discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
