Papua New Guinea’s Morobe Province Elects Rainbo Paita as New Governor
Papua New Guinea’s most populous province, Morobe, has elected Pangu Pati’s Rainbo Paita as its new Governor, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading a province home to more than 997,000 people, according to the 2024 National Census.
Mr Paita, who is also the Member for Finschhafen Open, was chosen by the Morobe Provincial Assembly in a keenly contested election held today at Tutumang Haus in Lae. His election fills the vacancy left by the late Governor Luther Wenge, who passed away at the Port Moresby General Hospital on September 13, 2025.
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| Papua New Guinea’s Morobe Province Elects Rainbo Paita as New Governor |
The election comes exactly two months after the passing of the respected provincial leader, marking both a transition of leadership and a moment of reflection for Morobe’s people. Mr Paita secured the governorship ahead of two other contenders — Bulolo MP Sam Basil Junior and Tewae-Siassi MP Dr Kobby Bomarea — following what assembly members described as a close and spirited contest.
As one of the country’s key political figures and a senior member of the ruling Pangu Pati, Paita’s appointment is seen as a continuation of the party’s influence in the province and an opportunity to drive forward development in areas such as infrastructure, health, and education.
Residents across Lae and the districts of Morobe have expressed hope that the new Governor will prioritize service delivery and rural development, addressing long-standing challenges in a province that plays a vital role in Papua New Guinea’s economy.
Speaking after his election, Mr Paita thanked assembly members for their confidence and pledged to honour the legacy of his predecessor through unity and hard work. “Morobe deserves strong and stable leadership. I will work closely with all districts to ensure development reaches every community,” he said.
Lae community leader Anna Wau welcomed the result, saying it marks “a new chapter for Morobe.” She added, “Our late Governor Wenge served with passion, and now we hope Governor Paita can carry that same spirit of service to move our province forward.”
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