Papua New Guinea’s announcement of six new electorates, including a dedicated seat for the Motu-Koita people of the National Capital District, is being hailed by some as a progressive stride towards better representation. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly positive development lies a complex reality that demands a more critical examination. Is this truly a step forward for democracy and inclusivity in PNG, or could it inadvertently deepen existing problems and entrench political dysfunction?
On the surface, recognizing the Motu-Koita people with their own parliamentary seat seems like a long-overdue acknowledgment of their unique identity and historical connection to Port Moresby. It is a rare move to give indigenous urban communities formal political recognition, and it promises to elevate a marginalized group’s voice at the national level. The idea of increasing parliamentary seats to reflect demographic realities also suggests responsiveness to changing population dynamics.
However, this approach raises several red flags.
First, the expansion of electorates without comprehensive electoral reform risks compounding PNG’s already fractured and unwieldy political system. With 102 Open seats now confirmed, Parliament grows larger, but bigger does not always mean better. PNG has long struggled with a fragmented legislature where coalition-building is notoriously unstable, and political patronage often trumps policy coherence. More seats may increase the complexity and cost of elections, stretch administrative capacity, and dilute accountability—especially if MPs continue to operate primarily as patrons for local interests rather than as national policymakers.
Second, while the creation of an electorate based on ethnic identity might seem empowering, it also runs the risk of entrenching ethnic divisions in politics. PNG is a diverse nation with hundreds of ethnic groups; carving out electorates along ethnic lines could encourage politicians to appeal narrowly to identity politics rather than broader, inclusive platforms. This may deepen societal fragmentation and undermine the very unity and national cohesion that PNG desperately needs.
Third, the announcement glosses over the deeper structural issues affecting PNG’s democracy. Electoral malpractice, vote-buying, intimidation, and logistical challenges continue to plague elections. Simply adding more electorates without addressing these systemic problems risks turning new seats into mere political trophies contested through the same flawed practices. The Electoral Commissioner’s mention of reforms to speed up counting and improve processes, while welcome, does not address the bigger picture of transparency, voter education, and reducing corruption.
Fourth, this move risks being a superficial fix that fails to address the root causes of political marginalization and underrepresentation. The Motu-Koita people’s challenges extend beyond mere parliamentary presence—they face ongoing struggles with land rights, urban displacement, economic inequality, and social services access. Without concerted policies and resources directed at these issues, the new electorate may become a symbolic concession with limited practical impact.
Finally, PNG’s political environment demands not just more seats, but stronger institutions. Electoral boundaries, voter rolls, dispute resolution mechanisms, and civic participation must be improved simultaneously to ensure that increased representation translates into genuine empowerment and good governance.
In conclusion, the creation of six new electorates, including the Motu-Koita seat, has the potential to be a meaningful step forward—but only if it is part of a holistic reform agenda. Without tackling systemic electoral flaws, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting inclusive policies that go beyond identity politics, this change risks becoming a step backward. It may increase parliamentary bloat, deepen ethnic divisions, and perpetuate political dysfunction under the guise of progress.
Papua New Guinea must resist the temptation of quick fixes and instead pursue thoughtful reforms that empower all citizens, ensure accountable leadership, and build a political culture rooted in fairness and unity. Only then can the promise of these new electorates be truly realized.