Port Moresby, 2025 — Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured Papua New Guineans that his government is fully prepared to conduct the Local Level Government (LLG) Elections and outstanding By-Elections across provinces in 2025.
Following high-level meetings with key officials including Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai, Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Hon. Soroi Eoe, Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, and senior government secretaries, the Prime Minister confirmed that revised election schedules will be announced soon.
“The Electoral Commission, Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, and relevant authorities will be given the financial and necessary support to conduct the LLG Elections and By-Elections, which were deferred last year due to other major events such as the National Census,” Marape said.
While pledging full government backing, Marape urged provincial and district authorities to cooperate fully with central agencies to ensure smooth election delivery.
“We will provide the necessary resources, but it is also the responsibility of Provincial Governments and District Authorities to assist the agencies working on these elections,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister called for free, fair, and peaceful elections, highlighting the vital role LLGs play in governance.
“Local Level Government is the government closest to the people. It was established in 1975 as the third level of government with Ward Councilors and LLG Presidents directly overseeing village communities,” he explained.
In a historic first, the government has placed Ward Councilors and LLG Presidents on the government payroll, a move aimed at empowering local leaders and improving service delivery.
“This is a significant step forward to enable efficient delivery of services to local communities,” Marape said.
He appealed to voters nationwide to choose quality leaders who demonstrate strong community leadership and commitment.
“I call on our people to make wise choices so that good leaders can be elected to serve with diligence and effectively address community issues,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that the 2025 LLG Elections bring forth leadership that strengthens governance at the grassroots level.