Prime Minister James Marape has issued a direct challenge to the Opposition, led by member for Ialibu-Pangia Peter O’Neill, demanding they demonstrate their numerical strength on the floor of Parliament instead of attempting to create public tension through social media and the press.

He asserted that the Opposition has had ample opportunity to prove their numbers, noting their failure to block any government business during the recent Parliament sitting.

“Every meeting of Parliament gives the Opposition an opportunity to prove they have the numbers.”

He cited the smooth passage of major bills, including the Coffee Act and the Higher Education Act, as clear evidence that the government maintains a firm majority of over 96 Members of Parliament (MPs).

“If they truly had the numbers, they could have blocked government business last week, but they did not.”

The Prime Minister dismissed Opposition Leader O’Neil’s actions as a desperate attempt to gain relevance ahead of the 2027 National Elections, labelling his group as “busy bodies without numbers.”

He recalled that O’Neill has been the main proponent of votes of no confidence since 2019 but has never successfully commanded a majority.

The Prime Minister stressed that “Parliament is ruled by the majority, not social media.”

He also strongly criticized O’Neill’s moral standing, pointing to past scandals like the UBS and Motukea Port transactions, stating that he has no moral standing to lecture anyone about leadership.

In addition, Prime Minister Marape, emphasized that governing is “serious business” based on proven numbers, not political noise.

He set the upcoming budget session as the definitive test of strength.

“If Mr. O’Neill believes he can form government, he must show his 59 MPs when Parliament resumes on November 18. If the Opposition can block the budget, then that is the real test.”

He urged citizens to remain calm and not be misled, asking them to allow Parliament to function normally.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister appealed to all Papua New Guineans to prioritize capable, visionary leaders in the 2027 National Elections, urging them to vote based on merit and stability, not tribalism or personal gain.

“Let the numbers in Parliament, not the noise outside to determine leadership.”

He also affirmed that PNG’s democracy remains stable and the government is focused on governing.