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PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape today expressed his gratitude to all Coalition Partners for their unwavering support ahead of tomorrow’s Vote of No Confidence (VONC) in the National Parliament.
On the eve of the highly anticipated vote, Prime Minister Marape publicly acknowledged the crucial backing of several key political leaders and their parties. He extended his thanks to the United Resources Party (URP) and its Leader Hon.William Duma, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its Leader Hon.Powes Parkop, People’s First Party (PFP) and its Leader Hon.Richard Maru, People’s Party (PP) and its Leader Hon.Sir Peter Ipatas, the National Alliance and its Leader Hon.Walter Schnaubelt, PNG Party and its Leader Hon.Belden Namah, People’s Movement for Change and its Leader Hon.Garry Juffa, Melanesian Liberal Party and its leader Hon.Dr Allan Marat, and Melanesian Alliance Party Hon.Joseph Yopyyopy.
The Prime Minister highlighted the strength of the coalition government, which consists of his ruling Pangu Pati’s 48 members of parliament (MPs)and an additional 29MPs from the Coalition Partners. This unity gives the government a robust total of 77 MPs as they prepare for tomorrow’s VONC, providing a solid base of support that Prime Minister Marape says will see them through this period of political uncertainty.
“I thank all these Coalition Partners for their continuous support since this VONC drama started earlier this year,” Prime Minister Marape stated, reflecting on the ongoing challenges posed by the political maneuvering surrounding the vote.
“Their loyalty and dedication to our government and our shared vision for the country have been unwavering.
“This week, unlike in many political situations before, we did not confine or pressure our leaders. I have great respect for their freedom, allowing them to come and go without duress, intimidation, or influence acting entirely of their own free will and choice. Last week, as soon as the VONC was lodged, I informed them that they were free to make their own decisions. To date, we have not lost a single MP to the Opposition, which demonstrates that the trust I placed in them has beenfully reciprocated. I am pleased to see that politics in Papua New Guinea is maturing.
“Tomorrow, leaders will have two choices: Rainbo Paita or James Marape. Their decision will reflect the workings of our democracy.”
Despite the VONC creating ripples of speculation and uncertainty across the political spectrum in Papua New Guinea since it was first raised, Prime Minister Marape remains confident that his government will emerge stronger, with the support of his coalition partners remaining steadfast.
“After we get over the VONC tomorrow, Pangu and all Coalition partners will get together, and chart a course for the journey into our 50th anniversary next year and beyond,” PrimeMinister Marape added, signaling his government’s long-term commitment to steering the nation towards stability and progress.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that the unity among coalition members is crucial for the future of Papua New Guinea, as the country prepares for its 50th anniversary of independence in 2025. The government, he said, will focus on key development agendas, economic recovery, and strengthening national unity, all of which are necessary to lead Papua New Guinea into a brighter future.
“With just hours remaining before the vote, my team is prepared to weather the storm and continue serving the country and leading PNG to be economically independent,” Prime Minister Marape said.
