Can Prime Minister James Marape be the Appointments Committee Chairman for ICAC?

Описание: Under Papua New Guinea’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Act 2020, the Prime Minister cannot be the Chairman of the ICAC Appointments Committee. The law was deliberately designed to protect ICAC from political control and ensure its full independence. According to Section 23 of the Act, the Appointments Committee is made up of five members: the Chief Justice, the Chairman of the Public Services Commission, the Opposition Leader, the Ombudsman, and the representative of the National Executive Council (NEC).

While the Prime Minister leads the NEC, he is not permitted to chair or dominate this committee. The reason is clear — ICAC’s main role is to investigate corruption, including possible misconduct by government leaders and ministers. Allowing the Prime Minister to chair the committee would create a direct conflict of interest and undermine public trust in the Commission.

Therefore, any claim or move suggesting that Prime Minister James Marape can become the ICAC Appointments Committee Chairman contradicts the ICAC Act 2020. The law ensures that the process of appointing ICAC’s leadership remains free from political interference, promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Papua New Guinea’s governance system.

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