UNDP convenes political parties to advance women’s participation ahead of 2027 General Election

Political parties from across Papua New Guinea gathered in Port Moresby last week for a three-day learning and development programme aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, promoting peaceful political engagement, and advancing women’s participation ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

May 10, 2026

a participant during the group sessions.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Held from 6–8 May 2026 under the ‘Women Make The Change Programme’ funded generously by the Government of Australia, the workshop was convened by the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) and the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC), in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Representatives from more than 40 political parties participated in the discussions and technical sessions.

The programme took place at a pivotal moment for Papua New Guinea’s democracy. Earlier this year, the Parliament of Papua New Guinea passed a landmark amendment to the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPAC), requiring all political parties to ensure that at least 10 per cent of endorsed candidates are women in future elections. Political parties that failed to endorse women candidates for two consecutive elections could face deregistration.

Participants seated during presentations.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The reform marked one of the country’s most significant steps toward improving women’s political representation since Independence. In Papua New Guinea’s 50-year democratic history, only 11 women have been elected to Parliament.

Opening the programme, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth, reflected on the significance of the reform and the long road to achieving it.

“Since Independence, women have not been very well represented in this democracy. I congratulate our friends at IPPCC on this amendment. You have fought for it for 15 years and finally after your great support and persistence, it has been passed in the last Parliamentary session. Now, we must ensure that the 10% minimum of candidates that are fielded translates into 10% of Members of Parliament being women,” he said.

UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth, Opening the programme.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Held under the theme “Securing an Accountable and Inclusive 2027 National General Election,” the programme focused not only on implementing the OLIPAC reforms, but also on strengthening internal party systems, encouraging women’s leadership, and promoting peaceful and issue-based political participation.

Throughout the week, participants discussed proposed updates to the Electoral Code of Conduct for political parties, candidates and scrutineers. The revised code aimed to address growing concerns around electoral violence, online abuse, intimidation of women candidates, bribery, and other forms of misconduct that undermined public trust in elections.

Participants interacting and discussing, during the sessions.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

IPPCC Chairman, Rev. Roger Joseph, said political parties had a critical responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of Papua New Guinea’s democracy.

“This workshop is about ensuring parties understand the revised OLIPPAC reforms and the Electoral Code of Conduct, and take ownership of the standards expected of them. Party conduct during elections reflects the integrity of our democratic system,” he said.

IPPCC Chairman, Rev. Roger Joseph, during his opening remarks.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Acting Electoral Commissioner, Ms. Margaret Vagi, further emphasised that maintaining peaceful and credible elections required collective responsibility from all political actors.

“The Electoral Code of Conduct is more than a document — it is a commitment by political parties, candidates, scrutineers and supporters to uphold peaceful, fair and accountable elections. We cannot continue patterns of bribery, intimidation, violence and block voting that undermine trust. As we prepare for the 2027 National General Election, all stakeholders must take shared responsibility to ensure every citizen can participate freely and safely,” she said.

Acting Electoral Commissioner, Ms. Margaret Vagi, giving her opening speech.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Technical sessions delivered by IFES helped participants explore practical strategies to strengthen party governance, improve compliance with legal obligations, establish or reinforce women’s wings within political parties, and create safer and more supportive environments for women entering political leadership.

A key highlight of the opening day was the formal adoption of the Political Parties Gender Equality Pledge by participating parties. The pledge reinforced commitments to advancing gender equality, supporting women candidates, and building more inclusive political party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The programme formed part of UNDP and Australia’s broader support to democratic governance and peaceful elections in Papua New Guinea. Speaking at the event, the Minister Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, Ms. Elizabeth Le Bas reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting inclusive democratic processes in Papua New Guinea.

“Elections are a national endeavour requiring cooperation, trust and leadership. Australia is proud to partner with Papua New Guinea through initiatives such as Women Make the Change to strengthen democratic institutions and advance women’s participation. Democracies are stronger when women are fully able to participate as voters, candidates and leaders,” she said.

Minister Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, Ms. Elizabeth Le Bas, delivering her opening statement.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

As Papua New Guinea prepares for the 2027 National General Election, the programme reflects growing momentum among political institutions and development partners to ensure elections are not only peaceful and credible, but also more inclusive and representative of all Papua New Guineans.