​Papua New Guinea MP Warns Government Against Risky Foreign Deals

​Papua New Guinea MP Warns Government Against Risky Foreign Deals

Papua New Guinea Madang MP Bryan Kramer has urged the National Government to exercise caution when engaging foreign companies, particularly those with questionable track records or facing legal proceedings overseas.

Speaking during the grievance debate in Parliament, Kramer revealed that a United States firm — reportedly linked to electronic polling and voting systems and allegedly engaged by the Ministry of Administrative Services — was recently indicted in Miami, Florida. He stressed that while an indictment is not a conviction, transparency and public disclosure of such matters are vital to maintain public confidence.

The warning comes as the government explores the introduction of a biometric identification system ahead of the 2027 National General Elections, a move aimed at improving voter registration and eliminating fraud. However, the development has drawn scrutiny amid concerns about the integrity of foreign contractors involved in sensitive national projects.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida on October 16, 2025, two executives and several others from the said company were charged for allegedly paying about $1 million (approximately K4 million) in bribes to an election official in the Philippines to secure business during the country’s 2016 elections.

Kramer called for Minister for Administrative Services Richard Masere to provide a formal response in the next parliamentary sitting, emphasizing the need for accountability in all government dealings. He also questioned the alleged involvement of an expatriate adviser working with the ministry.

Minister Masere, in response, clarified through a point of order that the individual in question was not a consultant, had not been paid by the state, and only provided informal advice when requested.

“Papua New Guinea must protect its electoral integrity by ensuring that any foreign partnerships are built on transparency and trust,” said community leader Peter Mandui from Madang. “Once we allow questionable companies into our systems, we risk compromising the very foundation of our democracy.”

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