The Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea’s Enga Province has issued a renewed call for the urgent adoption of biometric voting technology ahead of the country’s 2027 National General Elections. Citing persistent concerns about electoral fraud and gun-related violence, Church leaders are pressing the government to begin preparations immediately to ensure a more secure and transparent electoral process.
Church Calls for Urgency and Accountability
As the Post Courier reports, Bishop Justin Soongie, head of the Wabag Diocese and director of Caritas Enga, has appealed directly to Prime Minister James Marape’s administration to accelerate efforts toward implementing a biometric voting system. “Time is of the essence, and preparations must begin now to ensure the system is fully operational and accessible to all eligible voters by 2027,” Bishop Soongie said. He added that delayed action risks further undermining electoral integrity and public trust in the democratic process.
Concerns about political violence in Enga Province have intensified in recent years, particularly during national election cycles. Bishop Soongie has highlighted the role of armed political supporters in fueling unrest, calling the practice “a reckless and dangerous tactic that fuels violence, polarizes communities, and erodes public trust in the electoral process.”
Biometric Voting as a Reform Catalyst
The Church’s advocacy for biometric voting aligns with earlier civil society recommendations issued in the wake of the 2022 National General Elections, which were marred by allegations of vote tampering and violence. The government previously pledged to issue National Identification cards by 2025 and introduce biometric voting by 2027, but according to local reports, progress has stalled.
Through Caritas Enga, the Church has taken a grassroots approach to conflict reduction, engaging communities to resolve tribal disputes and promote peaceful political participation. These efforts are part of a broader push for electoral reform that prioritizes both technological and social change.
Bishop Soongie has questioned whether the lack of implementation reflects political hesitation rather than logistical challenges. “Is this lack of implementation because of funding constraints or because the current decision makers that have entered the Parliament are afraid that they might not return after 2027 NGE if the country would go into biometric voting system?” he asked.
He also emphasized the need for shared responsibility in creating peaceful elections: “Peaceful elections are not just the responsibility of security forces or PNG Electoral Commission; they require the commitment of every political actor to uphold justice, fairness, and non-violence.”
With the 2027 elections approaching and violence continuing to disrupt the democratic process in Enga Province, the Catholic Church’s call highlights the urgency of not only adopting biometric voting technology, but also addressing the deeper systemic issues that threaten political stability in Papua New Guinea.
Source: Post Courier
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May 30, 2025 – by Cass Kennedy
