Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has renewed his challenge to former Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill for a public debate on their respective economic management records, describing it as an important exercise in accountability and democratic maturity ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
Prime Minister Marape said the debate should take place as early as next week at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), with Mr O’Neill welcome to select the moderator.
“This debate is important and healthy. As leaders, especially when facing elections, we must be accountable to our people for what we have done. We cannot simply make political statements without substantiating our performance, policies and achievements with facts and statistics,” he said.
“My proposal stands. I am ready to debate Mr O’Neill as early as next week.”
Prime Minister Marape said economic management must be central to the debate because a strong economy provides the foundation for national development.
“The economy pays the bills. When you have a healthy and growing economy, the government has the financial capacity to fund education, health, infrastructure and other development priorities,” he said.
“Economic management sets the pace for national development. Any leader aspiring to govern this country must have a clear understanding of the economy and a credible plan for its growth.”
Prime Minister Marape said growing the economy had been his Government’s central priority since taking office in 2019, and he was prepared to present official statistics demonstrating its performance.
He proposed comparing Mr O’Neill’s economic management record from 2012 to 2018 with his Government’s performance from 2020 to 2025, covering economic growth, employment, public debt, budget deficits, government revenue and investment.
The Prime Minister suggested holding the debate at UPNG’s main lecture theatre or auditorium, with students and members of the public given opportunities to question both leaders. He also proposed a similar debate at the University of Goroka.
“This is not simply a personal challenge between Mr O’Neill and myself. It is about public awareness, allowing our people to understand what has happened in the past and make informed decisions about the future,” he said.
“As we approach 52 years of independence next year, our democracy must mature to a level where leaders debate substance, statistics, facts and policies rather than simply exchange political accusations.”
Prime Minister Marape said public debates should become a regular feature of Papua New Guinea’s democracy, allowing prime ministers and aspiring national leaders to be scrutinised openly.
“Parliament provides one forum for debate, and social media provides another. However, structured public debates allow citizens, especially students and young people, to hear directly from leaders, ask questions and make informed judgments,” he said.
“I welcome Mr O’Neill’s assessment of our economic performance. Let us put our respective records before the people and allow them to judge based on facts and evidence.
“Whoever occupies the office of Prime Minister must be prepared to account publicly for their decisions, policies and performance. That is the mature democracy we must build for Papua New Guinea.”