Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has today welcomed news of yet another Motion of Vote of No Confidence filed by the Opposition in Parliament, saying it is part of the democratic process and reflects the Constitutional rights of Members of Parliament to choose their Leaders freely and without coercion.
Speaking after Parliament was informed of the new Motion’s admission by the Private Business Committee, Prime Minister Marape said he holds no fear or resentment towards the process, stressing that he will not resort to Political Camps or “behind-the-scenes lobbying” as often seen in past political struggles.
“I welcome any challenge. This is not the first time Mr. Peter O’Neill has challenged me, and it may not be the last. Since I left his Government in April 2019 because I had no belief in his leadership, he has continued to pursue every possible Political and Legal means to unseat me. But I remain focused on governing and serving our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he has faced multiple Political and Legal challenges since assuming Office on 30 May 2019, including the 2020 Political Impasse, numerous Court cases, and repeated attempts to destabilise his Government. Yet, he noted, Papua New Guinea has continued to progress under his leadership. “We faced Politics in 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and now again in 2025. But through it all, our Government has stood firm. We delivered the highest number of MPs returned for any Party in a National General Election since the Somare Government in 1982 National General Election. We have grown our country’s economy by over K50 billion since 2019. The records speak for themselves — in economic management, infrastructure delivery, and service expansion,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape pointed out that the latest move by the Opposition — nominating former Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill as their Alternate Leader — clearly reveals the driving force behind ongoing Political Instability since 2019.
“It is now clear that the main perpetrator of Political Instability over the last six years has finally come out.
It’s O’Neill versus Marape — the Former versus the Present; PNC versus Pangu,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our people and Members of Parliament can clearly see the contrast. The former Prime Minister ran the country down for eight years. I am doing my absolute best to grow our economy, rebuild our institutions, and restore trust in leadership. That is the difference.”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and political maturity, saying that Papua New Guinea must move away from the destructive culture of political camps and secret deals.
“Under my watch, there will never be a Political Camp. We have just celebrated 50 years of Independence. It is time we mature as leaders. Members of Parliament have the full freedom to make their choice without coercion, without fear, and without inducement. You decide — Peter or James, the Former or the Present. Exercise your God-given Freedom of Choice,” he declared.
PM Marape said that history has shown that frequent changes in Government between 1975 and 2002 contributed to the country’s slow growth and instability. He urged all Leaders to rise above narrow politics and place national interest first.
“For far too long, Governments changed every two years, and our economy suffered in those first 27 years of our nationhood. We cannot keep going around in circles. Our economy was growing at 0.3% every year
whilst population growth was above 3%. When I rolled over from the O’Neill Administration in 2019, the PNG economy in 2018 was officially in recession at –0.3%. We have since stabilised and strengthened the foundations of our nation. Let’s take a vote, decide who leads, and move forward as a nation,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also made it clear that he will not interfere with the process or engage in political maneuvering, saying he will even travel out of the country next week to give MPs total freedom to make their choice in his absence.
“I will not call for a Camp. I will not pressure anyone. If Members feel that Mr. O’Neill is the better person to lead, then they should go and vote for him. That is democracy,” he said.
“For those who believe in my leadership, my record, and my vision for a stronger, fairer Papua New Guinea — then stand with me. Either way, let us do what is right for our country and our people.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by reiterating his belief that the stability of Government and the maturity of leadership are critical to national progress.
“We must stop this nonsense of constant political maneuvering. Fifty years on, our nation deserves better. Leaders must grow up and make responsible choices. The people are watching, and history will judge us all by how we act today.”
He further called on ordinary Papua New Guineans to also prepare for their moment of choice, reminding them that the 2027 National General Election is only 14 months away.
“I encourage every Papua New Guinean who has a political opinion — your right to construct a Government comes at the polls in 2027. Vote purposely. Vote for a Leader of your choice and for a Party that represents your values,” Prime Minister Marape urged.
“There are many capable Leaders across our country who head their respective Parties. Look at the person, look at the Party, and when Election time comes, make your decision wisely. Section 63 invitation to form Government is for the most successful Party so vote purposefully. That is the fair and rightful way — through Elections, not constant political games.”
He reminded the nation that democracy gives equal opportunity to every Citizen and Political Party to seek mandate through the ballot, not through destabilising Parliament.
“This Vote of No Confidence Motion is just a distraction. Let us remain focused on the real opportunity ahead — the 2027 Elections. When that time comes, exercise your God-given rights as a Voter. Vote purposely, vote wisely, and let us move Papua New Guinea forward together.”