The Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) has commended 46 University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) student leaders who successfully completed a comprehensive Training of Trainers workshop on electoral processes.

The full-day workshop, hosted in partnership with the UPNG Student Representative Council (SRC), is part of a nationwide civic awareness campaign ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

The training equipped student leaders with the knowledge and tools required to become effective civic awareness advocates within their home communities and provinces. Participants explored critical phases of the electoral cycle, including voter enrolment, the Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system, proper voting procedures, and the responsibilities of election stakeholders. The curriculum placed a heavy emphasis on safeguarding electoral integrity and boosting youth participation.

"When young people understand the electoral process, democracy is strengthened," said CCAC Secretariat representative Barbra Kunai. "Through this training, student leaders can become champions of electoral integrity. They will help their communities understand their rights, participate responsibly, and find the courage to reject all forms of corruption during election periods."

Student participants also underscored the vital role citizens play in upholding democratic systems.

Mr. Samuel Pisa, a second-year Business and Public Policy student, noted that while laws exist to govern elections, citizens must actively uphold them through responsible conduct, also was Mr. Jeremiah Paraji, a fourth-year Law student, who emphasized that widespread public awareness is crucial for ensuring citizens fully understand both their democratic rights and obligations.

The workshop achieved three primary outcomes: arming student leaders with voter education resources, promoting the integrity of the electoral roll, and empowering participants to identify and report malpractice to deter electoral corruption.