Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the people of Hela Province, including his own Tari-Pori District, for the Peaceful and Successful completion of the 2025 Local Level Government (LLG) Elections — describing it as a “true sign of maturity, ownership, and community unity in leadership and governance.”

PM Marape said the peaceful conclusion of the LLG Elections across the Province was a milestone achievement for Hela, marking a clear shift from past challenges and instability that often marred the Election process.

“Today, I am proud to say that 99 percent of the Council Elections in Tari-Pori have been completed, with people voting freely and peacefully, free of intimidation or violence,” the Prime Minister said. “There were no law-and-order issues reported. From where we have come from to where we are today, in just 13 years since we became a Province, this is an extraordinary transformation.”

The Prime Minister paid tribute to all the people of Hela, including Candidates, Community Leaders, and Supporters, for respecting the Democratic process and working together to ensure a peaceful outcome.

“I commend all the Candidates who contested these Elections. Even for those who did not make it through, you remain an important part of your communities,” Marape said. “Our District, in partnership with the Hela Provincial Government, will ensure that everyone continues to play a part in local leadership — through Ward Committees and Community-based teams — to maintain peace, stability, and progress across our Province.”

He expressed gratitude to the Provincial Election Manager, Returning Officers, Polling Officials, Churches, and Public Servants who contributed to the smooth running of the Elections. “I want to commend the Provincial Election Manager for once again delivering a credible and orderly Election outcome when many thought it would not be possible,” he said. “Despite limited Police and Defence personnel due to manpower shortages, our communities rallied together to uphold Peace and Order. This shows that when people take responsibility and work together, things can be settled much better.”

Prime Minister Marape also extended special commendation to Hela Governor Hon. Philip Undialu for his leadership and commitment in ensuring the successful conduct of the Elections. “Governor Undialu’s leadership has been instrumental. The Provincial Government contributed K1 million towards the Elections, while my District provided K500,000 to support the process. This partnership ensured the Elections were conducted efficiently, safely, and on time,” he said.

He noted with satisfaction that the swearing-in of the new Councilors took place at the Hulukumaya House — a facility that his District had invested in for such civic purposes. “I am pleased to see our Assembly facilities being used to support Democracy at the local level,” PM Marape added.

Reflecting on Hela’s journey, the Prime Minister said the Province had come a long way since its establishment and that the peaceful Elections demonstrate its growing maturity. “Elections come around every five years, but our communities must live on together,” he said. “This year’s peaceful LLG elections show that Hela has the potential to be a model of unity and good governance when we allow respect and lawfulness to prevail.”

Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to empower Local Governments and strengthen the role of Councilors and community leaders in service delivery and development. “I am inspired by what I’ve seen. I am more determined than ever to serve our people better and to empower our Councilors, Ward Committees, and village-based leadership teams to deliver tangible results,” he said.

“Above all, I give praise, honour, and glory to God and to the people of Hela for taking ownership of this entire process. This success belongs to every man, woman, and youth who chose Peace and progress over division and conflict,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.