Port Moresby, NCD
The Local Level Government (LLG) Observers Workshop concluded a two-day training program from 26th – 27th April, 2025 aimed at enhancing election observation practices across six target provinces in Papua New Guinea. The training, which commenced with Central Province, brought together 21 participants, including 15 observers plus a Lead from Central and five team leaders representing Milne Bay, Eastern Highlands Province (EHP), Chimbu, Jiwaka, and Southern Highlands Province (SHP).
Facilitated by Dr. Thiago Cintra Oppermann, a research fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University (ANU), the workshop focused on the use of observation manuals for campaign and polling processes. Dr. Oppermann, an anthropologist specializing in Bougainville’s history and social organization, as well as electoral politics in Papua New Guinea, guided participants through the details of election observation together with his national expert observer, David Lundape .
The training emphasized the importance of understanding the election process, from nomination to counting, as outlined in the observation manual. Participants were equipped with tools to profile candidates, observe security measures, and monitor the overall election process during both the campaign period and polling day.
Alice Guguna from the Electoral Commission delivered an insightful talk on the role of the commission and the significance of LLG elections, including those in Motu Koita and bi-elections. A key focus of the workshop was ensuring women’s full participation in the electoral process, both as voters and candidates, and assessing the support provided to them.
The information gathered during the observation will be shared with the Advancing Papua New Guinea: Women Leaders Network (APNGWLN), the Australian National University (ANU), and a brief report compiled for the Electoral Commission. APNGWLN has participated previously as a domestic observer in the 2022 National General Elections.
This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering transparency and inclusivity in Papua New Guinea’s electoral processes. The 2-day workshop and LLG Elections Observation by APNGWLN is supported by PNG Women Lead Program (PNG-Australia Partnership).
