PNG Elections: Political Parties form alliance to topple O'Neill government

Pix Caption: Alliance – Leaders of opposition parties (from left around the table) Ben Micah (PPP), Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Patrick Pruaitch (NA), Arthur Somare, Kerenga Kua (National Party), Sir Mekere Morauta, Ila Geno and Warusam Debepe (back to cam) president of THE Party.

LIKE-MINDED political groups and individuals sharing similar opinions and interests have formed an alliance to topple Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his People National Congress Party.

The group met on Wednesday (Jun 7) in Port Moresby and unanimously resolved to remain intact while inviting independents as well as concerned ruling PNC MPs to join forces to form a new government after the election.

Those present in the meeting included the nation’s founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, National Alliance leader Patrick Pruaitch, Peoples Progress Party’s Ben Micah, Kerenga Kua of National Party, former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta and Ila Geno of Constitutional Development Party.

Triumph Heritage and Empowerment party president Warusam Debepe attended the meeting on behalf of its parliamentary leader Don Polye who was away on confirmed election campaign commitments.

Pangu’s Sam Basil, New Generation Party leader Bire Kimisopa and Northern Governor Garry Juffa were also on election commitments, but were in communication with the group.

The leaders of parties invited recently sacked treasurer Mr Pruaitch, Sir Mekere and other independents and like-minded groups to join the alliance in their bid to prevent Peter O’Neill from becoming prime minister again after this election.

The new alliance leaders have pledge to work together with the common goal of making sure that Mr O’Neill does not become prime minister again in view of the current unprecedented level of corruption and the severe economic and financial problems faced by the country. Sunday Chronicle