Prime Minister James Marape thanked the Coalition Partners for their consistent support ahead of today’s Vote of No Confidence (VONC) in the National Parliament yesterday, officially acknowledging the critical support of numerous prominent political leaders and their parties.
He extended his thanks to the United Resources Party (URP) and its Leader William Duma, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its Leader Powes Parkop, People’s First Party (PFP) and its Leader Richard Maru, People’s Party (PP) and its Leader Sir Peter Ipatas, the National Alliance and its Leader Walter Schnaubelt, PNG Party and its Leader Belden Namah, People’s Movement for Change and its Leader Garry Juffa, Melanesian Liberal Party and its leader Dr Allan Marat, and Melanesian Alliance Party Joseph Yopyyopy.
The Prime Minister emphasized the coalition government’s strength, which includes his party’s 48 members of parliament (MPs) and an extra 29 MPs from the Coalition Partners.
This unity provides the government a strong total of 77 MPs as it prepares for tomorrow’s VONC, establishing a firm foundation of support that Prime Minister Marape claims will take them through this era of political instability.
“I thank all these Coalition Partners for their continuous support since this VONC drama started earlier this year,”
“Their patriotism and passion to our government and our shared goal for the country have never wavered.
“This week, unlike in many other political crises, we did not constrain or pressure our leaders.”
“I have enormous regard for their freedom, allowing them to come and go without compulsion, intimidation, or influence – acting solely on their own free will and decision.”
“Last week, as soon as the VONC was lodged, I notified them that they could 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 been fully reciprocated.”
“I am pleased to see that politics in Papua New Guinea is maturing.”
“Tomorrow, leaders will have two options: Rainbo Paita or James Marape.”
Their decision will reflect the workings of our democracy.
Despite the fact that the VONC has sparked conjecture and concern across Papua New Guinea’s political spectrum since its inception, Prime Minister Marape remains sure that his government will emerge stronger, with the unwavering backing of his coalition partners.
“After we get over the VONC, Pangu and all Coalition partners will get together, and chart a course for the journey into our 50th anniversary next year and beyond.”
The Prime Minister also underlined the need of coalition members working together for Papua New Guinea’s future as the country approaches 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.”