Papua New Guinea's Minister for Education, Lucas Dawa Dekena, has voiced his support for Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa’s request to postpone the upcoming Local Level Government (LLG) elections. The move aims to prevent the elections from clashing with the Grade twelve national examinations. Minister Dekena acknowledged the importance of both events, noting that the LLG elections are a vital part of the nation's democratic process. However, he emphasized that the national examinations are equally, if not more, critical for the future of the nation's students. “The grade twelve national examinations are the culmination of twelve years of hard work and are the gateway to higher education and future career opportunities.” “It is imperative that our students have a conducive environment to perform their best without any external distractions or disruptions.” The proposed polling dates for the LLG elections, from September 27 to October 10, 2025, directly overlap with the exam period. Minister Dekena warned that this overlap could significantly impact students’ academic performance due to the presence of polling activities near schools, potential logistical issues, and added psychological pressure. While respecting the sentiment of Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Eoe that the elections are already underway, the Ministry of Education's top priority remains the future of its students. Moreover, the Ministry believes a slight delay in the polling dates would be a simple and effective way to ensure the exams are not disrupted. Minister Dekena thanked Governor Rapa for his foresight and for raising this important issue. The Ministry of Education will continue to work with the Department of Inter Government Relations and the Electoral Commission to find a solution that supports both the country's democratic values and its commitment to educational excellence.