The death of Papua New Guinea’s Deputy Prime Minster hours before the official start of the election period has left Morobeans stunned.

As early as 8am, people gathered outside his residence at DCA point in Lae. While the women wept, many of the men remained numb with disbelief.

“We are in a state of confusion. Our families are confused. We are questioning why this happened,” said Deputy Speaker and Markham MP, Koni Iguan who has been close to Basil’s side in the last formation of government.

“We are speaking to the family. We hope to get consent soon for a post mortem.”

Sam Basil’s entry into politics in 2007 marked the start of a vibrant and colorful political career. As a member of one of the smallest parliamentary oppositions led by Vanimo Green MP, Belden Namah, Basil was vocal about the distribution of electoral grants by the former PNC led Government under Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill.

At one stage, he personally picketed the finance department office to demand the payment of delayed district grants.

His real political prowess shone when he revived Pangu, Sir Michael Somare’s original party; a political vehicle that led PNG to Independence.

Through the revived Pangu, Basil secured eight out of the 10 seats in Morobe, the biggest win by Pangu party since 1982.

People are continuing to gather in Lae as they await a formal announcement by the Prime Minister and the Morobe provincial Government.

Prime Minister, James Marape upon receiving the shocking news of his deputy’s passing, says it is a great loss to the late Sam Basil’s family, the people of Bulolo and Morobe, and the United Labour Party.

In a statement the PM said Papua New Guinea is shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Deputy Prime Minister, Transport Minister and Bulolo MP Hon. Sam Basil after a road accident along the Bulolo Highway on Wednesday night.

“We pray for God’s Hand on the country at this sad time.

“It is a big loss to his family, people of Bulolo, Morobe, United Labour Party and Papua New Guinea as we try to come to terms with his passing.

“He was a strong member of our present generation of leaders in Government who had our country in our heart

The PM said what makes his untimely passing even sadder is the fact that it happened only hours before nominations open for the 2022 General Election.

“This young and vibrant leader had been preparing his United Labour Party well for the elections only to have this tragic accident happen on the eve of nominations.

“The ruling Pangu Pati I now lead, is due to the hard work of Hon. Basil in 2014.

“He single-handedly resurrected the ruling Pangu Pati I now lead in 2014.

The one-man party became two in 2015 when the late Goilala MP, William Samb, joined Basil to revive the party.

Basil led Pangu into the 2017 General Election winning six seats in Morobe and others around the country.

Marape said both men brought Pangu back to life; something the present Pangu members are indebted to.

“We will give him a State Funeral befitting of his status as Deputy Prime Minister.

“We thank God for the life of Hon. Basil and his many contributions to Bulolo, Morobe and Papua New Guinea,” the PM said.

Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, has expressed profound sadness and shock over the passing of Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Bulolo, Sam Basil.

In a statement released this afternoon, the Governor General said he was shocked of the DPM’s passing.

“I was greatly shocked and saddened to receive news that our Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Wau/Bulolo, Sam Basil passed away last night,” the GG said.

He further stated that, it is such a tragedy to have befallen our nation the loss of one of our country’s outstanding and vibrant political leaders.

The Bulolo MP died after being involved in a road accident in his district last night. His body has been taken to the Funeral Home at Lae’s 14 Mile.

The governor general said Mr. Basil had a unique way of serving his people of Wau/Bulolo.

“He was a ‘hands-on’ leader involving directly with his people and providing the services required most of which go unreported because that is how he chose to serve his people. He was a hard working politician fully committed to the service of his people. The people of Morobe have lost a remarkable leader, a ‘Kwila’ of Morobe in Hon. Sam Basil the likes of which is impossible to replace. It is with a heavy heart that Lady Emeline and I extend to Mrs. Basil and children, immediate family and people of Wau/Bulolo our heartfelt sympathies and condolences as we all mourn the loss of this great leader. May god’s grace and peace be your guidance and comfort during this difficult time,” the Governor General said.

Papua New Guineans will head to the polls in June to vote in the National Elections.

The current situation of soaring inflation and the recent passing by parliament to create seven new districts are hot topics heading into the national general election.

Representatives of the Civil Society groups and the Trade Union Congress have always been critical of issues affecting the lives of the working class and the common man.

Last week at a media conference representatives of Civil Society groups and the Trade Union Congress announced a coalition dubbed the “Save the Future Coalition” they are banding together to collectively find solutions to present to the Government and the Opposition concerning hardships faced by society.

Activist Noel Anjo is part of the group that is set to be launched this Thursday at a public event.

“On the 31st of this month we will have the formation of the group Save the Future Coalition to provide solutions and alternatives to the Government in line with the Governments slogan of take back PNG, we will invite Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader” Anjo said.

The launching of the coalition will be at the Unagi Oval in Port Moresby and the public will get the chance to hear of the alternatives and solutions to be presented to Government by the group.

Acting General Secretary of the PNG Trade Union Congress Anton Sekum says the people of Papua New Guinea must head to the polls well informed about issues affecting the country.

Sekum highlighted that the increase in the nation’s debt was a cause for concern and the public needs to know the facts.

He said PNG’s debt overseas by the Government is estimated to be close to K60 billion.

“The national debt level is something we cannot continue to ignore; people must be made aware who is responsible for the debts and what decisions it took to pile on this debt.” Sekum said.

A cause of concern was also thrown into the mix with Sekum questioning why laws were being passed to increase the number of districts in the country during the eve of elections.

“The level of legislation amendments being passed on the floor of parliament is questionable; has due process been done?

“I am not sure how far and wide the consultations were but adding districts is adding on costs, in these difficult times.

“Due processes in passing legislation must be followed; how can it be done within just 24 hours or even 72 hours, to whose benefit are these legislations being smuggled through parliament, without necessary public consent,” Sekum added.

United Labour Party (ULP) has endorsed two candidates in West New Britain to contest the 2022 National General Elections.

ULP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Basil flew to the oil palm capital to officially announce the candidates.

The contesting ULP candidates are Phillans Wai and Blaise Dau.

Phillans Wai will contest the Nakanai Open seat.

Nakanai Open was recently created by Parliament following the passing of the Electoral Boundary Commission Report last week.

Former AOG Pastor, Blaise Dau was also endorsed today by the ULP leader during the opening of a Haus Man Project at Buvusi Section 3.

Dau will contest the Talasea Open seat.

ULP Leader Sam Basil said ULP is pleased to announce and declare the two candidates as the 2022 National General Elections nears.

Basil said ULP will provide the necessary policy framework and promote party policies as a guide for Wai and Dau.

“ULP is your party, these are your leaders, vote wisely for a better future”, said Basil.

Phillans Wai is an accountant by profession previously attached with the Finance Department in Port Moresby but resigned from official duties last year.

The two candidates had also contested in the last National General Elections in 2017.

Meanwhile People’s Progress Party has also announced the endorsement of some of its candidates contesting in various seats around the country.

Recently PPP endorsed 38-year-old Amunge Una for the Tewai Siassi Open and female candidate, Dr Joy Traverz for the South Fly Open seat.

PPP has also announced the endorsement of businessman John Knox and John Paska for the Kavieng Open seat.

Former Namatanai MP, Byron Chan was also endorsed with John Merebo, both will contest the Namatanai Open seat while Sir Julius will defend the Governor seat.

The announcement of PPP candidates was witnessed by Governor Sir Julius Chan and the Party President.

So far 33 intending candidates have enlisted with the People’s Progress Party to contest the 2022 National Elections.

The National Alliance Party will send 61 candidates to contest this year’s National General Elections.

In a meet and greet event hosted today by Party Officials and Parliamentary Members, Party Leader Patrick Pruaitch spoke highly of the history of NA and how it has contributed to the political front of the country.

He said the party wants people who can manage the country – professionals and not amateurs who want to enter politics for the wrong reasons.

“I’m looking for people who have run systems before. People who were managers before. People who have managed the private sector before. People are leaders themselves. Because it is a serious business to run a country,” Pruaitch said.

Out of the 61, four women will run under the NA ticket. Former Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso, Former Morobe Provincial Administrator Sheila Haro, Former Secretary for Labor Mary Morola and longtime NA party Secretary Joyce Grant.

“As a party, we are privileged to have four women candidates running under our party. They bring to the party a wealth of experience and we are looking forward to working with them,” Pruaitch added.

The National Alliance since it’s inception in 1995 has led government twice under former party leader the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. It remains the only political party to hold government and serve a full 5 year term from 2002-2007.

“We have formed government twice, and nothing is stopping us from forming it the third time. We have 8 seating members in Parliament. The bulk will come from you the candidates,” Pruaitch said.

Pruaitch also congratulated the other NA parliament members and said in the last 5 years they have performed well in their districts.

“Other parties have a bulk of members who are current MPS. They will contest but carry with them legacy issues. Our MPs do not have legacy issues, and you the candidates will add on to the 8,” he added.

People’s Reform Party(PRP) is confident to see its candidates come home with better results in the coming National General Elections.

PRP Founder and North Fly MP, James Donald said this while hosting a rally in the township of Kiunga in Western Province. MP Donald said the party is all about reforming policies and laws to elevate life with the focus to serve people. He said reforms are key to develop people, land and better manage the resources of the country.

The PRP leader said the Party has bold policies to reform and transform workable solutions for the country.

“We are a practical political party focused and centered around the people”, said MP Donald.

After the rally in Kiunga the North Fly MP travelled to Balimo Station to endorse PRP candidate, Abini Gesele who will contest the Delta-Fly Open seat. Gesele is a long serving LLG President and a former councilor in the Gogodala Local Level Government.

At one time, he was Deputy Governor and even Acting Governor.

“The Party has bestowed trust and thoroughly endorsed Mr Gesele during a Caucus meeting,” said MP Donald.

According to Party sources, PRP has already made formal endorsement for the South Fly and Delta Fly Open seat as well. An announcement will also be done for the Western Provincial Seat and Middle Fly Open seat in the coming week in a bid to secure all seats in Western Province.

Meanwhile People’s Reform Party for the first time is touring the Highlands region to endorse candidates contesting in the 2022 National General Elections.

PRP leader and North Fly MP, James Donald began the leg of tour with the endorsement of Kena Siwi for the Kerowaghi Open seat last Saturday at the Government Station in Simbu province.

The upper highlands is expected to be visited soon as plans are underway by PRP Executives.

The Prime Minister, James Marape, today announced a cabinet reshuffle.

The reshuffle includes the decommission of Chuave MP, Wera Mori as Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

This follows the MP’s decision to break away from Pangu Pati to form a new political party.

Prime Minister and Leader of Pangu Pati, James Marape said he was asked by the Pangu Pati Caucus and the Pangu Pati Council to give the portfolio to another member.

The portfolio of Environment and Climate Change will now be headed by another Pangu MP, and Member for Daulo, Pogio Ghate.

Other changes include;

1. Justice Minister, Bryan Kramer appointed to head Immigration and Citizenship Authority.

2. Provincial Affairs Minister, Pila Niningi takes up Justice Minister.

3. Minister for Immigration, Wesley Nukundj moves to head Provincial Affairs.

Marape said the change has nothing to do with their performances.

“They have performed very well in their respective portfolios but as a whole-of-Government, especially in this transitional period leading up to the elections, we made these changes.

“Their swearing in will be done next week following the burial of late Goilala MP William Samb.” said PM

The Prime Minister said Cabinet would be functional during the period of the 2022 General Election, which starts on April 28, right up to when writs are returned and formation of the new Government.