IN the midst of Papua New Guinea’s political landscape, the Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) period from 9/2/2024 to 9/8/2026 is approaching, stirring discussions about the nation’s political history and its impact on economic growth.
Dr Billy Joseph, MP for Nipa Kutubu and Deputy Party Leader of SDP, said Prime Minister James Marape, was aware of the VoNC period, but has opted for continuity, resisting the option of calling for an early session.
Emphasizing respect for all Members of Parliament (MPs), PMJM assured that parliamentary proceedings would continue without disruptions throughout 2024.
Joseph said the nation’s past is marked by a series of unproductive VoNCs dating back to the first in 1980.
“Examining PNG’s history, governments were formed approximately every 30 months from 1975 to 2002, contributing to a mere K12 billion growth in the economy over the first 27 years of nationhood,” he said.
“Notably, political stability during Somare’s nine-year rule, characterized by Mekere’s integrity in implementing political laws, laid the foundation for the successful delivery of the PNG LNG project. This project played a pivotal role in propelling the economy from K17 billion in 2002 to over K44 billion by mid-2011.
“The subsequent years, with only three Prime Ministers at the helm, witnessed a substantial economic boost. The PNG LNG project propelled the economy to K79 billion by 2019, and as of now, it stands at an impressive K124 billion.
“Reflecting on this economic trajectory, it becomes evident that sustained political stability has been a key driver of Papua New Guinea’s significant and rapid economic growth in recent years.”
The call for change, embodied in a VoNC, raises questions about the potential impact on the nation’s prosperity.
Meanwhile Joseph, said that if a change in leadership is inevitable, it should lead to a better alternative rather than risking regression. These sentiments underline the importance of considering the historical context and economic consequences when contemplating political transitions.
