Voting with a Clear Conscience: Catholic Professionals Launch "Project 2027" Electoral Awareness Campaign

On Thursday, 1st October 2026, between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, the Catholic Professionals Society of Papua New Guinea (CPS PNG) officially launched its nationwide voter education and civic awareness campaign, Project 2027, at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall Boroko, Port Moresby. Operating under the motto “Lumen et Vocem Catholica” a light and a voice of the Catholic faith in PNG, the non-partisan initiative was established to promote good governance, ethical stewardship, and civic responsibility well in advance of the 2027 PNG National General Elections. The official unveiling was led by His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC KBE, Cardinal of the Catholic Church and Archbishop of Port Moresby, alongside Mr. Paul Harricknen, President of CPS PNG, and Mr. Charlie Opu, a project coordinator for CPS PNG.

Mr. Paul Harricknen, President of CPS PNG, His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC KBE, Cardinal of the Catholic Church and Archbishop of Port Moresby, and Mr . Charlie Opu, a project coordinator for CPS PNG. (From left to right) Picture by Radio Maria

Addressing the core mission of the campaign, His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat and CPS PNG President Mr. Harricknen emphasized the urgent necessity of restoring moral integrity and public confidence to Papua New Guinea’s democratic process following the severe electoral irregularities, violence, and logistical chaos of the 2022 national elections. Mr. Harricknen highlighted that Project 2027 was conceived to drive civic education directly down to community and parish levels, fostering a nationwide mindset shift. The campaign urges citizens to reject "money politics," voter bribery, tribal allegiances, and regional pressures, calling on voters to evaluate candidates strictly on character, proven track record, respect for the Constitution, and a commitment to protecting the poor and vulnerable.

His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat addressing the media

In his keynote address, Cardinal Sir John Ribat stressed that holding public office is a sacred trust and a duty of public service, rather than a vehicle for personal gain, wealth, or power. He warned against the corruption that threatens the nation's democratic foundations and called for strong moral leadership across all sectors of society. Furthermore, the speakers underscored the imperative of preserving the strict independence of key constitutional institutions such as the Electoral Commission, the Ombudsman Commission, and the Police force to guarantee that state bodies remain fair, impartial, and bound by the rule of law. Supported by Mr Charlie Opu and the project coordination team, the initiative seeks to unite ecumenical partners, youth groups, and civil society in demanding peaceful and transparent elections.

Mr Paul Harricknen, President of the Catholic Professionals Society of Papua New Guinea

Ultimately, the Project 2027 campaign grounds democratic participation in Gospel values, reminding believers that exercising one's vote is a moral duty to advance truth, justice, and human dignity. Rooted in Christ’s teaching that true leadership is found in serving others rather than seeking power (Mark 10:43–44), the initiative calls on citizens to act as the salt and light of their communities (Matthew 5:13–16). By rejecting corruption and choosing leaders based on righteousness and the common good, Papua New Guineans can actively shape their nation's future while standing firm with a clear conscience before God (1 Timothy 1:19).