The prime minister has warned that there would be serious legal complications ahead of the 2027 National Election if the discrepancies identified in the electoral boundaries are not fully addressed.

Prime Minister James Marape said this during question time in Parliament this week when responding to questions from East Sepik Governor and Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Elections, Allan Bird.  

He said the discrepancies originated from the work of the Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2022 and that the government was fully aware of the concerns and was working through the necessary administrative processes to determine how they should be resolved.

Marape then went on to assure Parliament that his government will take the necessary steps to address electoral boundary discrepancies identified by the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and assured Parliament that the Government would work to address the outstanding issues.

“I am fully aware of the issues pertaining to electoral boundaries,” Prime Minister Marape said. 

“We intend to leave no stone unturned in making sure that the electoral boundaries have integrity as we face the 2027 elections.”

The prime minister confirmed that the Chief Secretary was overseeing the necessary administrative processes and that the National Executive Council submission relating to the Electoral Boundaries Commission was being processed.

He explained that the delay was partly due to the need to obtain considered input from relevant government agencies, particularly those responsible for provincial and local-level government affairs. 

Prime Minister Marape said he expected to receive a comprehensive briefing from the Electoral Commissioner next Tuesday on the outstanding boundary issues and the steps required to address them.

“Next Tuesday, we will get a full brief from the Electoral Commissioner on what needs to be done,” he said. 

The Prime Minister clarified that he had not, at this stage, directed the Electoral Boundaries Commission to recommence its work, noting the normal 10-year interval associated with electoral boundary reviews. 

However, he said the Government would examine the discrepancies identified by the Electoral Commissioner and determine the appropriate corrective measures.