Lack of Character and Respect sees PNG PM Marape attempts to rig the elections in PNG : O'Neill

Former Papua New Guinea prime minister and the leader of the National Congress Party (PNC) Peter O'Neill has slammed Prime Minister James Marape's attempts to get the country's national elections in his favour with desperation and with  illegal means. 

Mr.O'Neill released the following statement. 

 

"Member for Ialibu-Pangia and leader of the People’s National Congress Party, Mr Peter O’Neill said, “I understand the Prime Minister is under a lot of pressure with a failed economy; his promises and slogans not adding up to anything, but it is demeaning to himself; Pangu Pati and this nation to threaten to resign if he is not re-elected and does not become Prime Minister”.

“This sort of idle threat to resign points to a lack of strength of character in a man and signals he is making decisions not in the best interest of our country, or his Party but himself”, Mr. O’Neill continued.

“Not only a lack of character but a lack of respect for the high office of the Prime Minister. Marape has stated he has no intention of following normal practice of a caretaker Government with cheques from Finance Department have been churning out day and night to contractors.”

“Contractor meetings presided over by James Marape have been held at Seoul Haus Restaurant in Port Moresby where Marape has informed contractors that payments will be made by Finance and the contractors are then to give a sizeable kick back to Pangu Pati. These contractors are desperate to be paid and know they are being used so that Marape can take money that belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea to fund this election.”

“There are multiple examples of how he is operating. On the weekend, large amounts of cash are carried by his son and nephew into Tari on the eve of polling; fake ballot papers turning up across the country; helicopter organised by Patrick Leahy on behalf of Esa’ala Pangu candidate Jimmy Maladina apparently distributing fake ballot papers at Esa’ala – and many more examples all point to Marape trying to hang on to power at all costs.”

“I commend the actions of the disciplinary forces for acting properly to apprehend and disrupt the corruption of this National General Election and to make these matters public” said the member for Ialibu- Pangia.

“The people of Papua New Guinea can smell a rat. They know what this Government has been up to is far from right and I am confident that even with all their ballot box games, the vote of the people will prevail, and we will witness a change of Government in a few short weeks,” concluded Mr. O’Neill.

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