JANET’S JOURNEY WITH IPPCC

This September, the Registry of Political Parties will celebrate its silver jubilee, marking 25 years since its inception. While political landscapes change and leaders come and go, one steady presence has remained, the operational backbone of the office. Mrs. Janet Mallian, the Executive Officer who has served alongside every single Registrar in the Registry’s history.
From the Registry’s humble beginnings under the Department of the Prime Minister and National Executive (PMNEC) to its modern standing as a self-accounting institution, Mrs. Mallian, from the Karkar Island in Madang province has been part of the Registry every step of the way. Her journey is a personal milestone; yet it is the story of Papua New Guinea’s democratic process. Mrs. Mallian’s story with the Registry began in April 2007 as a young woman with so much enthusiasm. At the time, she was working with the Legislative Council division within the PM&NEC. When Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta’s administration established the IPPCC the founding Registrar, the late Paul Bengo, began recruiting capable public servants to build the new office from the ground up. Mrs. Mallian was brought in on a six-month secondment arrangement to assist with setting up administrative structures. But as October approached, she realized her heart was with the newly formed Registry. “I applied for this position because I saw that it was vacant, I applied and got that position, so I did a letter to my boss (late Mr Hudson Ramatlap the First Legislative Counsel) at Legislative Council asking if I could be transferred,” Janet recalls. Her boss did not take the news well. “He squeezed my letter and told me, “Get out of my office!” Fortunately, a fortnight later, her boss had a change of heart. “I told him, ‘You always encourage us to look for greener pastures, and I think I found one.” He laughed and said, “Yeah, okay, now I can let you go.” With that, Janet’s permanent tenure began, joining a tiny, tightly-knit team of pioneers, many of whom have since sadly passed away.
Witnessing an Institutional Development
Over nearly two decades, Mrs. Mallian has served under four distinct Registrars, each bringing a unique leadership style that shaped the Registry’s culture. Being the officer who works very close to the registrar’s over the years, she observes. The late Mr Paul Bengo was strict but deeply caring where he focused heavily on building the administrative foundation and recruiting the initial team from scratch. Sir Kina Bona was a lawyer by profession who brought legal thoroughness. He focused on uniting stakeholders and conducting provincial consultations on Organic Law. The late Dr. Alphonse Gelu, PhD brought with him the academic background and transitioned the Registry into a self-accounting body in 2014, breaking away from PM&NEC financial controls. He prioritized nationwide voter awareness, political party development workshops, and mentoring programs for women candidates.
The current Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Pok is a young vibrant leader who is focused on execution, gets work done. Recently, he quickly secured state funding and paid funding to political parties and back pay stipends for political party executives which was long overdue, and enforcing structural compliance. Among the effective actions of the Registrar, the funding also catered for 3 directors’ vehicles, an office bus and a support vehicle “I’ve seen a very big difference,” Janet notes comparing the eras. “Late Dr. Gelu groomed the staff beautifully. The others passed only Mr. Solomon Puana promoted to Manager Policy & Legal and current as Director Funding & Disclosure. Now we have Mr. Emmanuel Pok, who is an action man, he gets things done, though he needs the strong administrative and technical manpower of the office to back him up. Mr Pok has also put in a very big impact by lobbing for the Revised OLIPPAC with the key MPs. The Revised Law got passed in Parliament by 83-0.” Running the Registry is not without its trials. One of the greatest challenges Janet recalls from the early days was simply educating political parties about their obligations under the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates. A major behind-the scenes reality that the general public rarely sees is the difficult enforcement of accountability. Every year by March 31st, political parties must submit financial returns.
The IPPCC comprises of the Registrar, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC), the PNG Electoral Commissioner, the Clerk of Parliament, and church and women’s representatives, acts as the ultimate decision-making body. While, the Commission has historically been lenient, giving parties extra time to comply a historic milestone was reached recently when the Registry stood its ground against non-compliant, “one-man” parties. “We had 56 political parties after the 2022 General Elections. Just recently, they deregistered 12 political parties. The Commission members had to stand their ground to make the decision to deregister them.” Now we have 44 registered political parties. These deregistered parties must now wait for five years, an entire parliamentary term, before they can attempt to register again.” Mrs. Mallian highlighted.
Advise to young public servants
Her message to the younger generation in the public service,” There are so many criticisms on the media and social media about public service because we are paid by the state. So public servants must come to work on time, punctuality is very important and do your mandated role that you are paid to do and leave at 4.06pm. Be honest in your work and do it, not only when the boss is around.” “My tenure will be for less than 10 years, and it’s this young generation who will take the office forward. Their approach towards work needs to change. Mrs. Mallian advised.
Fond Memories
For Mrs. Mallian, the journey has been filled with unforgettable moments. One of her fondest memories dates back to her early days in 2009, when she traveled as part of a massive Pacific Islands delegation to Vanuatu alongside Mr. Bengo and Dr. Sepoe (the then-Chairlady of the Commission). “It was my first time traveling for work, sitting at a round table, listening to them debate and talking about political party systems – I learnt so much, and I will never forget it. She also fondly remembers the strict but motivating standard held by Dr. Gelu during nationwide awareness campaigns. “He would tell us, “I can tell if you’re really doing your awareness or if you’re just sitting under a tree sleeping or drinking. When you submit your report, I will know!’ It kept us on our toes and ensured we truly went out and interviewed the public.” From a skeleton staff of less than ten people working out of the Prime Minister’s department, the Registry has grown into a strong institution of 27 staff members operating from its own independent office. As the IPPCC Registry prepares to cut its 25th-anniversary cake this September, it does so on the shoulders of dedicated public servants like Mrs. Mallan. Her resilience, adaptability, and institutional memory remain the quiet engine driving the Registry of Political Parties now and into the next 25 years.

NEW COMMISSIONER SWORN IN TO STRENGTHEN IPPCC BOARD

The Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) marks a significant milestone in its ongoing institutional growth with the official swearing in of its newest Commissioner, Mr. Alphone Kapi Malipu.Mr. Malipu serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC), who was officially sworn in on 29th May 2026 by the Legal Manager, Lyean Nants at the Pala boardroom in the Registry’s office in Port Moresby. Welcoming the new member of the Commission, IPPCC Registrar Mr. Emmanuel Pok emphasized the crucial role the Commission plays in shaping Papua New Guinea’s political landscape and uplifting its democratic institutions.
Mr. Pok briefed the Board on several major, upcoming policy initiatives designed to develop and improve the administration of political parties nationwide. The addition of fresh outlook to the Board comes at a vital time as these regulatory frameworks are being developed.IPPCC Chairman, Reverend Roger Joseph said, “The changes we are seeing today are reflections of a collective commitment to improving the organization and strengthening its role in our democracy.” Reverend Joseph expressed the Board’s appreciation to Mr. Malipu for stepping into the role during this crucial period of development. Acknowledging that the IPPCC has continued to make steady progress despite external criticisms, Reverend Joseph noted that navigating such challenges is a natural part of Commission’s growth. The Chairman highlighted that Mr. Malipu’s extensive background will be an invaluable asset to the team, in the areas of Academia and Public Policy, Governance and Leadership from a public sector experience and leadership role at NEFC.“Coming from your rich background of academia and public policy advisory, you will bring significant value to the Board in guiding discussions and shaping decisions that will contribute positively to the future of our country,” Reverend Joseph stated.
The appointment of the NEFC Chairman to the IPPCC Board emphasizes a growing momentum toward collaboration between key state institutions. Members of the Commission’s Board, the Secretariat and the Management of the Registry were all in attendance during the swearing in ceremony.

PANGU PATI: A STORY WORTH TELLING

By CYRIL GARE
I returned after a week in the village attending to a death in the family and had to catch up with the happenings. Among the news was the successful conclusion of PANGU Pati’s 28th National Convention at the Hilton hotel and the onset for the 2027 election as it approaches its 60th birthday next year. Well done, congratulations.
I reflect not only on Pati’s role in giving birth to a nation but also on the life it gave me personally during the nascent stages of my professional journey. PANGU is not merely a political party, it is an institution of human enterprise, a living force that has shaped generations and continues to define the destiny of Papua New Guinea. For two consecutive years at the University of Papua New Guinea, the K80 fortnightly allowance, book allowances, and meals provided by PANGU were more than incentives. They were oxygen to an uncertain future, sustenance to a young soul searching for meaning. Without them, I might not be the man I am today. For this, I thank PANGU Pati. I also acknowledge the “father” and East Sepik Regional MP, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, who picked me from the streets of Wewak and shaped me into a man, a talent among the 10 million this country so desperately needs.
There were four others like me sponsored by PANGU during our time at UPNG. We owe it to the Pati, and I hope many more will follow under its sponsorship. Later, I served the Pati as East Sepik Provincial Branch Secretary and later Provincial President under two parliamentary leaders: Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Andrew Kumbakor. The Hilton occasion could have been a fitting moment to share my life story with PANGU. Yet even from afar, I felt the pulse of the Party’s 28th National Convention. It is now 6:05 pm. The sun sets behind smoke-stained hills along Dikagari Road, Tokarara, as I type on my Android, sipping black coffee from my wife Lisa’s market table, cigarette in hand, catching up on news and reminiscing. PANGU’s successful National Convention has reinvigorated its onset for the 2027 election, only 11 months away.
Say what you will, but PANGU is real. It was the beginning, it reigns today, and it is the future. For me, it is the umbilical cord of my life. I owe my freedom, liberty, and country. PANGU is PNG. PNG is home. Bai mi go we? In June 1982, PANGU won 51 of 109 seats, a record still standing. In 2022, when I contested Angoram Open as an Independent and lost, PANGU won 39 of 118 seats and formed Government with a coalition. For 2027, PANGU has resolved to secure 60 seats. The cutting edge is the Connect PNG flagship road program. Nearly 5,000 kilometers of the planned 20,000 have been sealed, valued at K7 billion of the K20 billion project spanning 20 years. Tears of rural mothers were not in vain when roads finally reached their villages. Mock the Prime Minister for sharing these moments, but God sees the heart, results will prove if prayers were heard. Second, the 55–45 per cent equity shareholding policy is now locked in. New Porgera’s 51–49 split is already paying millions in dividends, and the verdict will be proven in time.
The bottom line is increased funding to subnational governments. Do not score the National Government alone, judge your Governors and MPs too. Billions have been allocated. Four fingers point back, so accountability lies with your MPs. Have they delivered? Chuave has new roads. North Fly has a new terminal. East Sepik has projects worth a billion kina, including the long-awaited K100 million Passam–Angoram highway sealing, a blessing for Grand Chief Sir Michael’s home district. The first-of-its-kind arch bridge at Hawain, valued at K20 million, is under construction, delighting many in both East and West Sepik provinces. The new Boram airport terminal and runway extension will soon allow Airbus 737 services, a gift to the people of Somare.
Regardless of seating in the House, every electorate has received its fair share. It is you, the voter, who will deliver the final verdict. The convention reaffirmed the Government’s long-term economic growth agenda, setting ambitious targets: • K200 billion by 2030 • K300 billion by 2035 • K500 billion by 2045
It also committed to the K11 billion national education infrastructure program, designed to improve learning environments through 2035. More young Papua New Guineans are now studying overseas under the STEM program of the Marape–Rosso Government, a source of pride for parents. Free education continues from primary to secondary, a relief for millions. HECAS, TESAS, and HELP remain lifelines despite critics. Under Prime Minister James Marape, international diplomacy has reached unprecedented levels, placing PNG firmly on the world stage. Sports tourism, including the NRL franchising of the Chiefs, may one day see our sons and daughters playing world-class rugby, earning hundreds of thousands in a diaspora once thought impossible.
Medical tourism is emerging, with breakthroughs in kidney transplant and heart surgeries performed by PNG’s own doctors, achievements made possible through political will and state-backed funding. Unless clouded by self-pity, one can not deny this Government has delivered. As the Prime Minister himself concedes: “More work remains to be done.” Development is a growth process, not a Facebook glitch. Say what you will. Exercise your right. Vote wisely. But remember, PANGU is PNG, and PNG is our home. Bai yumi go we? Your vote counts. Blame no one but yourself as a voter. Do not repeat the mistakes of the past 10 elections. In this 12th national election, I urge you to find the snake’s head and shoot it with the silver bullet. Snake is corruption. Snake is curse out of the Pandora’s box. Do not allow the serpent to crawl into the House and multiply its hatchlings (snakelets), or we will be finished into oblivion.
As PANGU rightly resolved: it is the next generation that matters, not the next election. PANGU’s story is not just about politics. It is about life, liberty, and the future of Papua New Guinea. It is about roads that reach forgotten villages, schools that educate the next generation, hospitals that save lives, and policies that empower families. It is about a Party that has stood the test of time, weathered storms, and emerged stronger. It is about a people who continue to believe in the promise of independence, the strength of unity, and the hope of progress. For me, PANGU is not just history. It is personal. It is the umbilical cord of my life. And as the nation prepares for the 2027 election, I say again: find the snake and shoot it on the head. You have the silver bullet. Use it wisely or we are done. Ends.

TEGA TVET SCHOOL RECIEVES COMPUTERS & COMMISSIONS NEW COMPUTER LAB

(L-R) Registrar, Emmanuel Pok, Western Highlands TVet Inspector, George Indiga, Tega TVet Manager Sammy Ono

Board Secretary, David Yak

Students and staff witnessing the ceremony

By Claudio Labeli

The Tega Assemblies Of God (AOG) TVet Technical school in the Western Highlands Province was the recipient of five new desktop computers donated by the Registry of Political Parties. The donation was a commitment made by the Registrar Mr Emmanuel Pok in 2025, when he was invited as a special guest to witness the inaugural graduation of the school at Pultimb village, in the Hagen Central District.

There to witness this small but significant occasion was the Western Highlands TVet school inspector Mr George Indiga, the school’s Board secretary, Mr David Yak, the Institute’s manager, Mr Sammy Ono, the staff and students. On presenting the donation, Mr Pok emphasised that institutions play a critical role in grooming and shaping young leaders of tomorrow. Apart from engaging with political parties, this small gesture is the Registry’s community obligation in reaching out to its citizens. The Registry over the years have donated to numerous other institutions in the country and this was nothing new. This timely donation also saw Mr Pok cutting the ribbons to officially open the new computer laboratory.

New Women's Representative joins IPPCC Board

By Claudio Labeli
On Tuesday 29th July 2025, the Registry in a small but significant ceremony welcomed the new Women’s representative to its Board of the Integrity of Political Parties Candidate Commission. Present at this event was the Chairman, Reverend Roger Joseph, Registrar Emmanuel Pok, senior managers and staff. Section 4 of the Organic Law on Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) highlights the membership composition of the Board. They are; the Clerk of Parliament, Electoral Commissioner, Chairman/CEO of National Economic Fiscal Commission (NEFC), Representative of the National Council of Women and the representative of the National Council of Churches. The women’s representative on the board was left vacant for a couple of years after the exit of Ms Theresa Jaintong

In the swearing in ceremony of Ms Sabeth Yengis, chairman Joseph emphasize the important role women play in the society and also stressed the need for more women to participant in the political landscape of this country. He admitted that Ms Yengis brings the gender balance onto the current board. The Registrar in his welcoming remarks outlined the important role that Ms Yengis brings to the board as the women’s representative and the responsibilities that is mandated by the OLIPPAC in this institution.

Ms Yengis was the former President of the Council of Women of Enga having served in that position for 15 years before being elevated to the current role as the President of the National Council of Women for Papua New Guinea. On hand to formalize the swearing in ceremony was the Registry’s legal council Ms Lyean Nants.

Registry of Political Parties, a partner stakeholder in the WMC Phase 2

By Patrick Kaiku
On Tuesday the 22nd of July, 2025, the Registry of Political Parties (Registry) was invited to Kina Haus, Downtown, Port Moresby, for an inception meeting formally recommencing the second phase of the Women Make Change (WMC) program. The second phase will be within the 2025-2028 period. The second phase is a follow on from the successes of the inaugural phase (2020-2025). The inception event was organized by the UN Women and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

WMC is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The WMC is an informal mechanism for both non-governmental organizations and government agencies. The UN Women and UNDP play the coordinating role. Through the WMC, stakeholders align their work programs aimed at empowering women to take up leadership roles and play important responsibilities in the decision-making arenas of the country.

Stakeholders in the WMC include; UN Women, UNDP, Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission, Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Department for Community Affairs and Religion, PNG Women in Leadership Program, Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, Improving Political Inclusion and Participation Program, National Council of Women and International Foundation for Electoral Systems. of the empowerment of women into political arena and decision-making positions.

Representing the Registry, Registrar of Political Parties, Mr. Emmanuel Pok reported on some of the key milestones in the Registry’s efforts to mainstream women participation in political party institutions in the country. Some of the initiatives include the amendments to provisions in the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (Integrity Law), requiring political parties to endorse female candidates. These amendments are afoot in the form of the revised Integrity Law, presently with the Office of the Solicitor General, before Cabinet endorsement for reading in Parliament.

As a key stakeholder in the Women Make Change Phase 2, the Registrar made reference to the Registry of Political Party’s Corporate Plan 2023 to 2027, and the work plans of the Registry to engage in the women leadership development programs leading up to the 2027 National General Elections in PNG.

Registry of Political Parties observation team interview at NBC studios in the New Ireland province

Pic:The Team from the Office of Registry of Political Parties at the National Broadcasting Corporation New Ireland studio.

On the Tuesday the 17th of July 2025, Local-level Government Election Observation Team New Ireland from the Registry of Political Parties dropped by at the National Broadcasting Corporation New Ireland for a live interview. The Registry of Political Parties is the only governmental institution presently conducting election observations in this year’s LLG elections.

The Registry have a team on the ground, to observe and document the administration, and conduct of the 2025 LLG elections, with the stated aim of understanding the role of political parties in the communities. The team, led by Director for Policy, Legal and research, Patrick Kaiku says, they are holding discussions with political parties, candidates, and key stakeholders across two districts of Namatanai and Kavieng, to assess the environment in which the elections are being held.

He said: “election observations are very important because yumi bai kisim experience na lessons blong elections ba em bai informim how bai yumi prepare for the next election ah!” He said we’ve been having elections since 1964 and 50 years later, we are still having issues. “So mipla kam long Niu Ailan yah, em blong traim blong understandim whether ol political parties or whether environment i allowim pipol long expressim democratic rights blong ol, igo gut or align wantem tingting blong gavman long conductim free na safe elections,” he said.

The Registry has teams doing LLG elections observation nationally. Provinces covered in this year’s LLG elections include the Central Province, Morobe, Madang, East Sepik, Sandaun, Western Highlands, Enga, Southern Highlands, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands, Northern (Oro), West New Britain, and New Ireland Provinces.

It is imperative that elections – both national and local-level government elections are observed because the documentation of election processes is the basis to inform policy and legislative reforms for future elections. The findings and recommendations from elections observations will help the Registry of Political Parties to present strong recommendations to decision-makers, with the aim of strengthening future electoral processes, especially at the subnational level.

source:NBC New Ireland/P.Kaiku