MAY 19 2022
Prime Minister and Tari-Pori MP Hon. James Marape has thanked his people for their undivided support for him over the last 15 years.
He said this today (May 19 2022) in front of a massive crowd of thousands of people in Tari after nominating at 2.22pm.
Accompanying PM Marape were his wife Rachael, Pangu Pati executives including President Erigere Singin and General-Secretary Morris Tovebae, and others.
Hela Governor and PM Marape’s Pangu strongman, Hon. Philip Undialu, also nominated. The Prime Minister, after nominating, travelled to Komo-Margarima to support his Pangu candidate Hon. Manasseh Makiba
PM Marape said he first contested for Tari-Pori Open in 2002, in which he finished second, and won in 2007 and has held the seat for the last three terms of Parliament.
“I thank you all for your support,” he told the cheering crowd.
“I have not given money to each of you; however, you have continued to faithfully hold me as your MP.”
PM Marape said in 2007, he promised his people the province of Hela, which became a reality in 2011.
He said in 2012, he promised his people that he would become Finance Minister, which also became in reality.
PM Marape said in 2017, he asked former PM Peter O’Neill for a sealed road from Mendi to Koroba-Lake Kopiago and Tari; 4.27 per cent equity for landowners in the PNG LNG Project; build a port at Kikori in Gulf; and build a road from Kikori to Southern Highlands.
“I told O’Neill that if he did not do these, I would resign,” he said.
“In 2019, I resigned, and thanks to the Grace of God I became Prime Minister with the support of 101 MPs.”
PM Marape told his Tari-Pori people that he would resign as their MP if his ruling Pangu Pati did not form Government after the 2022 elections.
“I want Pangu to have the numbers for the Governor-General to invite us to form Government,” he said.
“I have already told the Pangu caucus that if we do not get the invitation to form Government, I will resign as party leader, and I will resign as Tari-Pori MP.”
PM Marape said Tari-Pori has transformed over the last three years with a new airport runway and terminal, the magnificent Hulukumaiya Haus, National Development Bank and so many other exciting developments.
He said this was because all three levels of government – national, provincial and local – were working together.
“The last three years have not been easy, with the country in an economic mess and COVID-19, but we have managed to get it back on the road to recovery, “the Prime Minister said.
PM Marape and Governor Undialu will address the people of Hela in Tari tomorrow (May 20 2022).