Political Rivalry Rekindled: O’Neill Seeks to Unseat Marape in PNG Parliament
Papua New Guinea’s long-standing political rivalry between Prime Minister James Marape and former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has resurfaced, following the filing of a new Vote of No Confidence motion in Parliament. The motion, filed by the Opposition which will go through Private Business Committee, names Mr. O’Neill as the Alternate Leader, setting the stage for another high-stakes leadership contest.
Prime Minister Marape responded calmly to the development, describing it as part of Papua New Guinea’s democratic process and a constitutional right for Members of Parliament to freely choose their leaders. He said he harbours no fear or resentment, adding that he will not resort to political camps or secret deals to secure numbers.
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| Political Rivalry Rekindled: O’Neill Seeks to Unseat Marape in PNG Parliament |
“I welcome any challenge. This is not the first time Mr. Peter O’Neill has challenged me, and it may not be the last,” Mr. Marape said. “Since I left his Government in April 2019 because I had no belief in his leadership, he has continued to pursue every possible political and legal means to unseat me. But I remain focused on governing and serving our people.”
The Prime Minister noted that since assuming office in May 2019, his administration has faced multiple political and legal challenges, including the 2020 political impasse and several court cases. Despite these pressures, he said Papua New Guinea’s economy has grown by more than K50 billion, with continued progress in infrastructure and public service delivery.
Mr. Marape suggested that the Opposition’s decision to nominate Mr. O’Neill as Alternate Leader reveals the driving force behind ongoing political instability. “It’s O’Neill versus Marape — the Former versus the Present; PNC versus Pangu,” he said. “The former Prime Minister ran the country down for eight years. I am doing my absolute best to rebuild the economy, strengthen institutions, and restore trust in leadership.”
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, Mr. Marape said there would be no political camps under his leadership. He urged all MPs to exercise their freedom of choice without coercion or inducement, adding that the nation must move beyond divisive political culture as it marks 50 years of Independence.
“This Vote of No Confidence Motion is just a distraction. Let us remain focused on the real opportunity ahead — the 2027 Elections. When that time comes, exercise your God-given rights as a Voter. Vote purposely, vote wisely, and let us move Papua New Guinea forward together,” Prime Minister Marape said.
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