TWENTY-FIVE Papua New Guinea public servants, including one woman, have formally resigned from their positions to contest the 2027 National Elections.
The resignations followed the October 29 statutory deadline under Section 55 of the Public Service Management Act 1995, which requires public servants intending to enter politics to relinquish their positions.
Figures released by the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) show the National Capital District recorded the highest number of resignations at 13, followed by the Highlands Region with seven.
Momase and the New Guinea Islands recorded two each, while the Southern Region registered one resignation.
DPM Secretary Taies Sansan confirmed that officers resigning to contest elections formally cease employment in the public service, leaving their substantive positions vacant.
Sansan said the deadline was an important measure to ensure compliance with legal requirements governing public servants’ participation in elections.
However, she did not clarify whether unsuccessful candidates would be eligible for reappointment.
Meanwhile, Central Governor Rufina Peter has been appointed parliamentary leader of the Christian Democratic Party (CDP), ahead of next year’s polls.
Her appointment comes as the party works to strengthen its constitution, policies, membership and national organisation.
Founded in the 1990s, the CDP aims to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s leadership and development.
CDP interim president Davis Steven welcomed Peter’s appointment, describing it as an important development for the party.
Accepting the role, Peter expressed gratitude for the opportunity to uphold Christian values, strengthen institutional integrity and address national challenges.
People’s National Congress leader Peter O’Neill also acknowledged the appointment and wished Peter well.
The CDP currently has no elected parliamentary leader in the 11th National Parliament.
With Peter assuming the leadership, the party hopes to strengthen its political presence and position itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
SOURCE PACNEWS
