Papua New Guinea’s 2022 Redistricting Part 2: Sources of the Conflicted Electorate Maps

Abstract

In part one of this In Brief series, we noted that the 2022 redistricting of electorates in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was far more extensive than is commonly known. PNG’s Constitution sets out an unambiguous process for establishing the number of open electorates and their boundaries as well as the process for electoral redistricting. Based on recommendations made by the Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) in 2011, the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea voted to create two new provincial electorates, Hela and Jiwaka, ahead of the 2012 National General Election. This did not alter any open electorate boundaries. A decade later, based on recommendations made by the EBC in 2021, parliament voted to create seven new open electorates in advance of the 2022 National General Election and a further six new open electorates for 2027. Or so it seemed: in fact, the EBC report effected changes — some quite extensive — to 55 of the 89 open electorates established by parliament in 1977 and gave rise to conflicting boundaries for 54 seats. Several areas are assigned to more than one electorate, while some areas are not assigned to any electorate. For instance, Mendi, the capital of Southern Highlands Province, is no longer included in Mendi Munihu Open Electorate.