With just hours remaining before Papua New Guinea Parliament resumes to address the Vote of No Confidence (VONC), as directed by the PNG Supreme Court ruling a week ago, 82 MPs aligned with the government attended a caucus meeting Monday showing a firm show of support for their Prime Ministerial candidate.
Sighted in the caucus was Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta who has rejoined the government side, strengthening their numbers ahead of the decisive session.
Breakdown of the government-aligned MPs includes:
Pangu Party – 48 MPs
Our Party – 10 MPs
United Resources Party (URP) – 9 MPs
Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 6 MPs
People’s First Party – 4 MPs
National Alliance Party – 1 MP
People’s Movement for Change – 1 MP
People’s Party – 2 MPs (notable, as their party leader Sir Peter Ipatas is the Opposition’s nominee)
On the Opposition front, at least three camps have emerged ahead of the VONC debate scheduled for today.
Opposition Camps: Peter O’Neill, Douglas Tomuriesa, James Nomane, Johnson Wapunai, Ricky Morris, Robert Atiyafa, Rufina Peter, Allan Bird, Keith Iduhu, William Hangahuno, Sir Puka Temu, Simon Sia
Grand Papua Hotel Camp: Dr Lino Tom, Sir Peter Ipatas
Dream Inn Camp: Kerenga Kua, Bryan Kramer
Meanwhile, Member for North Fly Open James Donald has refuted Sir Peter Ipatas as the Prime Minister candidate for the looming Vote of No confidence, saying Sir Ipatas lacked vital criteria to lead Papua New Guinea if given the mandate.
“I have no hard feelings or grudges against Sir Peter; however, I respectfully believe that he is not the best person to lead this nation at this point in time.” Said Donald.
“Unfortunately, my choices for who should become the next Prime Minister are not nominated, hence I cannot blindly vote for two individuals I do not believe in.”
He stated that Sir Peter lacked substance that a strong and determined Prime Minister nominee should have to save PNG from sinking in this trying times of the country’s economy.
More than five credible things he mentioned which made Sir Peter not qualify to contest the PM seat in the VoNC.
He refused to support Ipatas due to:
*Ipatas has a history of being aligned with the government.
*After a failed nomination last year, he dined with the Prime Minister, raising doubts about his loyalty.
*Since that failed nomination, Ipatas has not engaged with the opposition or shown appreciation.
*His actions suggest a lack of genuineness and trustworthiness.
Donald also added the PM nominee should be someone who is a physically and mentally fit leader to “rescue” Papua New Guinea; someone genuine and capable.
In the meantime, his decision stands to abstain from supporting either of the two political candidates; James Marape (the current Prime Minister) or Sir Peter Ipatas (the alternate candidate nominated by the opposition).
“My decision is based on my beliefs as an individual and what I feel my people of North Fly have entrusted me to represent them for. I am breaking convention by indicating my decision early on because I feel our country deserves honesty and integrity during a time where it is lacking immensely.”
