The Political Party Registration Amendment Act No. 2025 provides that the Principal Electoral Officer will become the Chairperson of the Screening Committee for political parties.

Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Andrew Solomon Napuat presented the amendment in Parliament yesterday.

Hon. Napuat said the amendment aims to provide clarity in the legislation and includes three key changes.
One of these is to clearly define the responsibility of the Principal Electoral Officer as Chairperson of the Screening Committee for political parties.

“The proposed amendment that came into effect today helps provide clarity in the legislation and allows the Political Party Registrar and Screening Committee to carry out their responsibilities more effectively. The first amendment defines the role of the Principal Electoral Officer as Chairperson of the Screening Committee and outlines how committee meetings should be conducted. The second establishes clear boundaries on how custom movements can operate within custom elections,” Hon. Napuat said.

In response, Opposition Leader Hon. Ishmael Kalsakau said that while the principles of the amendment are good, the text within it is not appropriate. He raised concerns about the Principal Electoral Officer serving as Chairperson of the Screening Committee for political parties.

“The fact that he can become the Chairperson of the Screening Committee concerning political parties, with a casting vote, is problematic. You are creating a monster within this institution — a person with control over political parties,” Hon. Kalsakau said.

Minister Napuat responded that the Principal Electoral Officer cannot make decisions alone, as decisions must be made collectively by the committee.

“What gives us confidence is that he doesn’t make those decisions by himself. He chairs the committee, and it is the committee that makes the decisions. Yes, he has a casting vote, but if that vote is used in a way others disagree with, the decision can be challenged,” Minister Napuat said.

The Political Party Registration Amendment Act No. 2025 was passed unanimously in Parliament today, with 44 votes in favor.