By GEORGINA MICHAEL
YANGORU-SAUSSIA MP Richard Maru has officially launched the Nesenel Unity Party, positioning the new political party as a major force in the 2027 National General Elections and in the formation of the next government.
The party was formally presented with its registration certificate by the Registrar of Political Parties, Emmanuel Pok, following six months of work to meet the requirements for registration.
The Nesenel Unity Party is founded by Mr. Maru as party leader, Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa and Maprik Open MP Liberty Kapris.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Maru said the party would be guided by three core values: God first, people second and servant leadership.
“We are serving our nation’s biggest interests first,” Mr. Maru said.
He said the party had been established to present a new vision for Papua New Guinea and address the country’s economic and social challenges.
“We cannot continue to remain weak economically. Poverty cannot go on. This must change, and it requires new leadership and a new vision,” he said.
Mr. Maru said the Nesenel Unity Party would seek to inspire Papua New Guineans and work with like-minded parties to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
“The National Unity Party is here to inspire our nation, give them hope, and together we must build a united, stronger and more prosperous country,” he said.
“This we cannot do alone, but with coalition partners and those we will come together with to form the next government.”
Mr. Maru also confirmed his resignation from his previous party and thanked Prime Minister James Marape and the Pangu Party for giving him the opportunity to serve in government over the past four years.
He said the country needed to do better after five decades of independence.
“We must do better than what we have done in the last 50 years. Our people deserve better,” Mr. Maru said.
He said the Nesenel Unity Party had been established in partnership with the PNG Party and would work closely with Pangu as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.
“I thank my great partnership with PNG Party and its leader. We will together form a strong force to be greater players in the formation of the next government in 2027,” he said.
Mr. Maru said the new party would focus on uniting Papua New Guineans and bringing together political forces to pursue national development.
Registrar of Political Parties Emmanuel Pok confirmed the Nesenel Unity Party had satisfied all registration requirements and was now officially recognised.
“It’s one of the 44 registered political parties now. And the Nesenel Unity Party also has members in Parliament,” Mr. Pok said.
He said the party was now free to participate in the country’s political process and contest the 2027 National General Elections.
“The Nesenel Unity Party stands alone, and they are clear now to participate in our politics in this country, and they are also clear to contest the 2027 National General Elections,” Mr. Pok said.
The launch marks Mr. Maru’s formal entry into the 2027 election cycle under the new party, with the Nesenel Unity Party expected to play a role in negotiations and coalition-building ahead of the next government.