Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has successfully retained his position, commending Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition sides for upholding democratic processes.
Marape highlighted the exercise of Section 50 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to aspire to public office.
“These are constitutional provisions. I want to thank members on both sides of the House,” Marape stated, acknowledging the opposition’s right to nominate a candidate and the government’s right to maintain its position.
He extended particular praise to Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, the opposition’s nominee, for what he described as a “camp-less opposition,” emphasising the maturity displayed during the political contest.
“As far as this political contest is concerned, that’s maturity,” Marape said, underscoring the significance of such conduct as the nation approaches its 50th anniversary of sovereignty.
Marape also expressed gratitude to the 89 members of his coalition who stood with him, emphasising the absence of a formal camp in the lead-up to the vote.
“We had no camp in the past week. We had a reference point where we met, dined, conversed, and revisited how far we’ve come,” he explained.
Addressing aspiring young leaders, Marape stressed the importance of understanding the political process and respecting fellow leaders.
“It is not about showing up one day and dreaming that you can be Prime Minister, or shutting down the process on the floor of Parliament,” he cautioned. “It is a process.”
He also spoke on the importance of integrity in leadership, stating, “Your character over time. Your conduct over time.”
The Prime Minister’s address underscored a call for political maturity and respect within the nation’s democratic framework as Papua New Guinea navigates its evolving political landscape.
Meanwhile, Sir Peter Ipatas has accepted the result of Tuesday’s Vote of No Confidence against Prime Minister James Marape, who retained leadership with 89 votes to the opposition’s 16.
Speaking after in an opposition’s press conference after Parliament concluded, Sir Peter thanked the Opposition Leader, deputy, and all members who backed his nomination, saying he accepted the outcome and respected the parliamentary process.
“We always knew this would be the result,” he said.
Ipatas said his entry was never about personal ambition but about presenting a genuine alternative for government MPs who, like many citizens, were concerned about the nation’s direction.
“There are issues confronting us. I accepted the nomination to become an option for change,” he said.
He expressed disappointment that government MPs did not exercise their “free conscience” during the vote, noting that many were reportedly housed in camps in the lead-up to the decision.
“We must make our own conscious decisions on issues that affect the country,” he stressed.
Sir Peter emphasised that the challenges facing PNG, including law and order, high living costs, and lack of effective governance, remain unaddressed.
He called on the Prime Minister to act decisively now that he has 18 months of political space ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also emphasised his long-standing passion for restoring law and order and devolving greater authority to provinces. “There’s been no strategy to address these issues and Governors have been calling for more powers to take ownership of development,” he said.
Addressing the people of PNG, Ipatas acknowledged the support shown through social media and public sentiment calling for change.
In closing, Sir Peter praised the opposition team for their spirit and determination. “This is a very proactive opposition, a mix of experience and young, qualified leaders. If given the chance, they will do the right thing for this country,” he said.
