PNG political parties face tighter registration rules ahead of 2027 election

Political Parties are facing tighter registration and compliance requirements ahead of the 2027 national polls.

Authorities say this will strengthen accountability within the country’s political party system.

Registrar of Political Parties Emmanuel Pok said registration of new parties will close about two months before election day.

He said parties registered after the deadline will not be eligible to contest the election even if its application is still under consideration.

Pok said the move is aimed at giving election authorities time to complete registration and compliance processes before polling begins.

The Registrar further said tougher compliance measures introduced since 2022 are already improving how parties operate, especially in leadership conduct and financial reporting.

There are now 44 registered political parties in the country. Of these, 23 have members represented in the 11th national parliament, while 21 are yet to win seats.

According to the latest figures from the Registry, ruling Pangu Pati has 49 members in parliament, followed by OUR Pati with 13 MP’s and the United Resources party has 11.

The People’s National Congress has 9 MPs while 4 from the Social Democratic Party.

The remaining parties represented in parliament, have three or less members.

Now with election approaching, the Registry is determine to strength the administration of political parties and support a more credible electoral process.