The Prime Minister, James Marape, has said he is looking forward to working with the newly elected Maprik MP, Libert Kapris to develop the electorate, especially in the agriculture space. The new MP came out victoriously on Friday, June 7th, in the by-election after the seat had been left vacant by the late Gabriel Kapris, who passed away in 2023 due to a heart attack at the Port Moresby General Hospital on August 13th last year. Mr Libert Kapris ran under the People’s First Party, which is led by Yangoru-Sausia MP, and International Trade and Investment Minister, Richard Maru, a coalition party to the current Pangu led ruling party in government. “I commend Maprik MP-elect Libert Kapris of People’s First Party for his win in the Maprik Open by-election in East Sepik on Friday,” Prime Minister Marape said, when also commending the runner-up and Pangu Pati candidate, John Simon, for his strong challenge in the by-election. Marape, who is also the leader for Pangu Pati, which has recently been split, said, “The People’s First Party, led by Yangoru-Saussia MP and International Trade and Investment Minister Hon. Richard Maru, is a valuable coalition partner in the government I lead.” “I congratulate MP-elect Kapris, Minister Maru, and the People’s First Party for the win and look forward to working with them for the good of Maprik, East Sepik, and Papua New Guinea.” “Maprik, by virtue of its agricultural produce such as cocoa, vanilla, and coffee, is one of the richest districts per capita in Papua New Guinea.” “Agriculture and downstream processing are a focus of the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP) 2024-2033 which I will be launching shortly, and no doubt, Maprik will be in the lens of my government.” “I look forward to working together with MP-elect Kapris, Minister Maru, and People’s First Party to further develop this agriculture downstream processing in Maprik as well as turn the Sepik Plains into a major agricultural hub – something that I have been passionate about.” Marape also commended Pangu Pati candidate and former MP John Simon for graciously accepting defeat. “I have campaigned for my Pangu Pati candidate, John Simon, during the by-election and we graciously accept the democratic outcome with Libert Kapris as winner.” “The people of Maprik have placed their trust in Libert Kapris to lead them and we respect that and look forward to working with him for the good of Maprik, East Sepik, and Papua New Guinea.”