PM Marape congratulates New Rabaul MP elect

PNG Prime Minister and Pangu Pati Leader Hon. James Marape has congratulated Pangu's  Graham Piniau Rumet on winning the Rabaul Open seat in East New Britain. 

Mr Rumet's win brings to six the number of Pangu MPs declared so far, others being PM Marape (Tari-Pori), Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso (Lae), Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey (Kavieng), Governor Hon. Phillip Undialu (Hela) and Minister Hon. Manasseh Makiba (Magarima). 

In a media statement, PM Marape also commended long-serving Rabaul MP, Dr Allan Marat, for his services to Rabaul, East New Britain and Papua New Guinea since first being elected into Parliament in 2002.

He said this after Mr Rumet was declared as new Rabaul MP this afternoon. 

Mr Rumet polled 5192 votes to finish ahead of Dr Marat with 5189 votes. 

"I congratulate Mr Rumet on his win," PM Marape said. 

"A few weeks ago, when campaigning for my East New Britain Pangu candidates at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo, there was a huge turnout of people - which shows the support for Pangu and our pro-PNG empowerment policies.

"Pictures and videos of jubilant scenes in Rabaul reflect that they want change and Pangu."

PM Marape also thanked Dr Marat for serving the country as an MP since 2002.

"Dr Marat is a champion of democracy in our country, reflected in the manner in which he transferred office quickly despite the very close outcome. This is an example to all of us that people comes first, ” he said. 

"He has held senior ministerial positions over the years, including being Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Governor-General. 

"In recent times, Dr Marat had chosen to be in Opposition, where he provided good, intelligent debate against Government. And I would like to thank him for service to not just Rabaul people but our country.” 

Statement

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