Foreigner appointed to lead PNG Electoral Commission for the first time

A foreigner has been appointed as Papua New Guinea's electoral commissioner for the first time.

Nicole Hayley is a professor of anthropology and Pacific politics at the Australian National University.

She has spent more than 30 years researching PNG's political landscape and governance systems with particular focus on women's representation.

Her appointment was announced by Prime Minister James Marape.

He said Professor Hayley's deep understanding of PNG's electoral history will be essential in strengthening preparations for next year's general election.

Hayley replaced Margaret Vagi, who had been acting commissioner since November.

Lucielle Paru, a women's and social justice advocate, said there is no doubting Hayley's knowledge of PNG, but it is a shame local women have been overlooked for the role.

"It is disappointing that our own Papuan girl got sidelined, even though she has the same amount of qualifications as Dr. Hayley, and she has given more than two decades of public service.

"We won't be having a Papua New Guinean go and sit inside the Australian government."

Paru also said she hopes Hayley doesn't get chewed up by political interests.

"We've had a lot of foreigners who have been placed in positions, such as Carolyn Blacklock with PNG Power, and then we've had ICAC [Independent Commission against Corruption], and the results are not good when you have politics step in," she said.

"They've had their reputations damaged and in leaving the country it hasn't been good.

"I just hope that that does not happen to her - seeing the reputation of Papua New Guinea, how they try to correct the country, they try to make sure that we stay within the laws that we have in our Constitution and that we abide by it; and then you have politicans who want their way, and it ends up costing their reputation."

Carolyn Blacklock resigned from Papua New Guinea's main electricity provider in 2019, citing problems in the utility's relationship with government.

Paru also said men in PNG tend to want things their way, and don't see women as decision-makers.

"So I hope that the governing appointing Dr. Nicole Hayley respect her position, respect her merits, and allow her to perform her duties as the appointed electoral commissioner."

Acting Chief Ombudsman appointed

PNG has also appointed an acting Chief Ombudsman - Tabitha Suwae.

She takes over from Richard Pagen whose six-year term in the position ended Friday, 3 July.

Prime Minister Marape said Suwae's appointment reflected his government's commitment to making key public service appointments based on merit.

But he stopped short of appointing Suwae as the first permanent head of PNG's Ombudsman Commission.

The position is being advertised.