Papua New Guineans will soon be able to access electoral enrolment services through the SevisWallet app as part of efforts to improve the country’s electoral roll using biometric technology.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC), is preparing a biometric enrolment initiative aimed at strengthening the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll. An initial enrolment campaign is proposed from 13 December 2026 to 12 February 2027, subject to PNGEC approval, legal requirements and readiness assessments.
DICT Secretary Mr Steven Matainaho said the Government has long supported the initiative and that PNGEC’s new leadership provides an opportunity to advance the work together.
The project is being coordinated by PNGEC and DICT with support from the National Government through the Chief Secretary-led Interdepartmental Election Committee (IDEC). PNGEC will remain independent and responsible for all electoral decisions.
Secretary Matainaho encourage citizens to prepare by downloading the official SevisWallet app on Android or SevisPass on Apple’s App Store and enrolling for a SevisPass Verifiable Credential (VC), which serves as their digital identity.
Once electoral services become available, users will be able to:
- Check their electoral enrolment status.
- Apply for enrolment or request a transfer.
- Update incorrect personal details.
- Complete biometric verification and liveness checks to confirm their identity.
The proposed system will also use biometric de-duplication technology to detect possible duplicate registrations, including enrolments made under different names. Any potential matches will be reviewed by authorised PNGEC officers.
To ensure inclusivity, accredited agents and mobile outreach teams are planned to assist people without suitable phones or internet access, as well as persons with disabilities and individuals who experience difficulties during biometric enrolment.
DICT emphasized that obtaining a SevisPass digital identity does not automatically register a person to vote or determine voting eligibility.
Mr Matainaho also clarified that a biometric match alone will not result in someone being removed from the electoral roll. The removal of deceased electors will require verified evidence and an authorised review process, while objection, correction and appeal procedures will remain in place.
Privacy and security measures must also be established before the system is launched, with clear information provided on how personal data is collected, used, shared and protected.
The initiative will operate in accordance with the Constitution, the Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections, and the Digital Government Act 2022. Authorities also stressed that the project does not introduce electronic or biometric voting.
In the coming weeks, DICT will engage with government agencies, provincial and local administrations, banks, telecommunications operators, churches and superannuation funds to support enrolment and public awareness activities.
Further updates, including a confirmed launch date, will be announced through official PNGEC and DICT channels.
“One citizen. One verified identity. One electoral roll.”