Prime Minister and Pangu Pati leader Hon. James Marape today addressed recent false allegations on social media and reaffirmed Pangu Pati’s stance on the Lagaip Open seat in Enga. In response to claims of interference in the Lagaip supplementary election, Prime Minister Marape clarified the party’s position.
“I wish to inform the people of Enga and Papua New Guinea that Pangu does not need the Lagaip seat to be in Government,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
“We are not desperate for that seat.
“ We created that electorate, we supported with funding for the supplementary election and we want counting to be transparent without much interference.”
He emphasised the independence of the Electoral Commission as a Constitutional Office responsible for overseeing elections, asserting that it does not report to him as Prime Minister on a daily basis. The Prime Minister denied allegations that he and Pangu Pati were abusing the electoral system for personal gain, emphasising the party’s commitment to electoral integrity.
As evidence, Prime Minister Marape cited Pangu Pati’s participation in the recent Wewak by-election, where the party contested and lost, showing their non-interference in election outcomes. With 55 current Members of Parliament, Pangu Pati stands as the leading political party, negating any need for manipulation of the Lagaip election.
Prime Minister Marape also highlighted that conduct of supporters of candidates and individuals in Laigaip electorate does not represent the party’s position and people must not misconstrue. The Prime Minister is expecting a status report on the conduct of elections.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed his view for counting to proceed in Wabag, and has asked the National Security Advisory Council to look into this matter in respect to Election Commissioner’s direction for counting to be held outside of Enga.
“We want to ensure transparency in the counting process and provide the people of Lagaip and Enga with a clear view of the people’s choice,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape’s statement underscores Pangu Pati’s commitment to upholding democratic values and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in Papua New Guinea.
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File picture of PM
