Marape reject calls to raise election fees

Prime Minister James Marape has firmly rejected proposals to raise nomination fees and security bonds for candidates ahead of the 2027 national elections in Papua New Guinea. Marape defended the fundamental constitutional right of all citizens to participate in the electoral process, effectively shutting down suggestions to implement stricter qualifications.

The Prime Minister's stance came in response to questions raised in Parliament by Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa. Kaupa had urged the government to consider increasing the financial barriers to entry for candidates, arguing for stricter qualifications to ensure a more robust field of contenders.

However, Marape's administration maintains that the right to contest elections is a cornerstone of the nation's democracy and should not be unduly restricted by financial requirements. The decision upholds the principle of broad political participation, ensuring that economic status does not become a prohibitive factor for aspiring leaders.