In June and July 2017, PNG conducted its 9th General Elections since Independence. The PNG Electoral Commission’s slogan for the 2017 election was, ‘Your choice, protect the democracy: Think, Own and Vote Now!’ This panel will offer reflections on the elections, based on the findings of an observation conducted by the ANU, which involved 224 domestic observers, and an observation led by Transparency International PNG (TIPNG). It will examine the extent to which PNG citizens owned their votes and exercised choice in the election. It will address how increased decentralisation of election administration influenced the nature of elections across the country. Panelists will also consider the broad implications the 2017 elections for democracy in PNG.

Speakers: Nicole Haley, Head of Department, Department of Pacific Affairs, ANU (Chair)

Arianne Kassman, Executive Director, Transparency International PNG