Prime Minister and Pangu Pati Leader, James Marape has been unanimously re-endorsed to lead the party into the 2027 National General Election following the conclusion of Pangu Pati’s 28th National Convention in Port Moresby.
Mr. Marape said delegates endorsed his leadership after he temporarily stepped aside from convention proceedings to allow members to independently determine the party’s future direction.
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Describing the decision as a significant personal and political honor, Mr. Marape said the convention also provided an opportunity for party leaders to present achievements and challenges from Pangu Pati’s seven consecutive years in government since 2019.
“As the 10th leader of this great party, it is the honor of my life to lead the party into the political battles once again in 2027,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Marape said party members were updated on government performance over the past seven years and pledged that Pangu Pati would campaign in 2027 by openly presenting both its achievements and areas where progress had fallen short.
“We will go to the election and tell our people where we have delivered, where we have fallen short and what we intend to do next,” he said.
Reflecting on the party’s historical significance, Mr. Marape said Pangu Pati played a central role in nation-building during Papua New Guinea’s early years following Independence and had previously governed for 12 years during the country’s formative period.
He paid tribute to the party’s founding generation, including Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir Paul Lapun, Sir Pita Lus, Sir Albert Māori Kiki, Sir Joseph Nombri, Sir Cecil Abel, Sir Ebia Olewale, Tony Voutas and other early members whose leadership contributed to Papua New Guinea’s path to nationhood.
Mr. Marape also recognized later leaders who helped sustain the party over the decades, including Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Sir Chris Haiveta.
He acknowledged the contribution of women in the party’s early development, including Lady Veronica Somare, Mrs. Hilan Sikot Pora Schmidt of Manus Province and the late Lady Elizabeth Kiki, noting their involvement during the historic Bully Beef Club movement that contributed to Pangu Pati’s formation.
The Prime Minister further recognized contemporary party figures including Hon. Andrew Kumbakor and Hon. Ginson Saonu, and paid tribute to the late Hon. Ludwig Schulze and late Hon. Sam Basil for their contributions to strengthening the party in recent years.
“Special acknowledgement to Ginson Saonu who paved the way for me to be leader in 2019,” he said.
Mr. Marape said his decision and that of colleagues who left government in 2019 to join Pangu Pati was based on a belief that the party offered the strongest platform for policy reform and national rebuilding.
“We had absolutely no doubt that fighting for our country’s resources, resetting our country and putting it on the right road required the most significant party,” he said.
“Going to Pangu allowed us to use the institution called Pangu to stamp our new policy shift, especially the focus to get back more from our natural resources, reconstruct the public service and transfer powers back to the provinces.”
Mr. Marape said reforms undertaken since 2019 had placed the country on a stronger path but acknowledged that further work remained.
“Seven years on, we have put the country back on the right road. But much more work remains,” he said.
He said Pangu Pati would seek a renewed mandate in 2027 by presenting its record transparently and outlining future policy commitments.
“We are committed to be honest to the country about what we have achieved, what we have failed to achieve and what we pledge to do going forward,” he said.
The Prime Minister also marked Pangu Pati’s 59th anniversary, paying tribute to the party’s founders and members of the Bully Beef Club whose discussions ultimately led to the party’s establishment.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/pangu-pati-leaders-national-executives-reaffirmed-as-party-looks-to-2027-elections-and-beyond/
“Fifty-nine years after its formation, and after helping lead our country to Independence in 1975, the work of national renewal continues,” Mr. Marape said.
“Happy 59th birthday, Pangu Pati. As we prepare for the 2027 National General Election, we also look ahead to our 60th anniversary next year.”