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.

The PNG Government through Prime Minister, James Marape on Tuesday signed a covenant known as the “Era Kone Covenant” with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government through President, Ismael Toroama.

The Covenant sets the pathway for the results of the Bougainville Referendum and Joint Post Referendum Consultations to be brought to the National Parliament to deliberate on.

The ABG and the National Government resolved at the 3rd Post-referendum consultations held at the APEC Haus on the 9th of December 2021 to sign a covenant.

Following the signing, ABG President, Ishmael Toroama thanked the Marape lead Government and the Technical Team from both parties for their commitment to effect section 342 of the Constitution which commits both Governments to consult on the Referendum Results.

Toroama said key events such as his Government’s tenure ending in 2025 and the 11th PNG Parliament concluding it’s term in 2027 should be borne in mind so that the constitutional obligation is completed in a timely manner.

“I therefore foresee the tabling of the Referendum Results and the Consultative Outcomes in 2023 to the National Parliament by the Minister responsible as prescribed in section 342 of the National Constitution and as agreed to in the Wabag Roadmap,” Toroama said.

The Toroama lead ABG Government believes that in order for both parties to meet the timeline, the following must be done:

• The covenant be the main agenda at the 4th Joint Supervisory Body meeting next week

• The Technical Teams in both Governments immediately begin drafting the constitutional regulation for endorsement by respective Executive Councils and Gazetted before the General Elections

• The referendum results and the Consultative Outcomes be brought to the Papua New Guinea Parliament by the Minister for Bougainville in 2023 in compliance with section 342 of the National Constitution.

Prime Minister James Marape also acknowledged the patience displayed by the people of Bougainville to see the process through.

“I just want to appreciate the patience and understanding of our people in Bougainville.

“You’ve come a long way since 2001. It’s not easy. The road has been tough,” he said.

Marape assured the ABG President, Ismael Toroama that the next parliament following the election will take carriage of the agreements and see it through.

“Mr President I just want to assure you that the intention we’ve covered in as far as our consultation meetings, follows from my acceptance of the result in Arawa, my consultations with your team in Kokopo, and our clarity of the road map going forward was established in Wabag, as well as the meeting at APEC Haus, culminates in this Era Kone Covenant.

“That is an assurance that we will stick to timeframe that we focused.

“National Parliament will have a handle of this in 2023 and of course going forward,” Marape said.

Vice Minister for Bougainville Affairs Peter Tsiamalili described the covenant signing as a significant step for both Governments towards the process that will go into the 11th house.

“The signing of this important document now streamlines the referendum results and also the consultation and guards the process towards entering the parliament,” he said.

United Nations, who has played a pivotal role in facilitating the consultations and the peace process facilitated the covenant signing and assured their commitment for the process as well.

After years of shutdown the Namatanai Airstrip in New Ireland has been re-opened following an upgrade of the airport facilities.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey represented Prime Minister James Marape to commission the airport and its facilities last Friday.

“I stand in awe to see these services ready to serve people in this part of the country.

“Please do not politicize these projects but respect and use them to benefit,” said Ling-Stuckey.

The Namatanai Airport upgrade cost K2million with most funding from monthly Lihir Mining Royalty payments by Newcrest Mining Limited.

Meanwhile Minister for Civil Aviation and Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt said despite stiff political opposition to prevent the opening, it was a success after all these years.

Schnaubelt said there is no time for politics but to start deliver and ensure people benefit from funding earmark for development.

“We are focused on delivering services to the doorstep”, said Schnaubelt.

“It’s not about me but the people”, he added.

Other projects announced and commissioned include K3.7million for heavy equipment, K5.5million for a 1Megawats Biomass Power Generation project, K2million for Namatanai Fire Station, K2million Flight Training Centre, K4million Hydrogen Solar Power Project for Namatanai Hospital.

Other projects include Housing Scheme, Transmitter for NBC and a counter funding for Namatanai District Court Housing.

The occasion was also attended by Minister for Lands John Rosso, Minister for Health Jelta Wong and Minister for Fisheries Dr Lino Tom.

The people of Namatanai concluded the day with dancers from different LLGs and live entertainments from music legends Sir George Telek and King of Pacific Music Pati Pots Doi with choir groups from Tavui and Matupit in East New Britain.

A National Court bail of K10, 000 was granted by the Court in Port Moresby for Moresby North-West MP, Lohia Boe Samuel, following essential changes in circumstances on the co-accused Fabian Hera’s police statement.

In the first application, Justice Teresa Berrigan refused bail because the only material presented in court was the statement of alleged facts. “I refused bail on the last occasion because the alleged offence involved a serious assault and the use of an offensive weapon. The alleged facts pointed to a deliberate if unplanned shooting by the applicant using his own weapon,” said Justice Berrigan.

On the second bail application, the court heard that co-accused Fabian Hera has since changed lawyers and swore on an affidavit deposing that it was him who had unintentionally shot the deceased who was holding the weapon at that time.

Without going into the details of the alleged offence, bail was granted on grounds that the Constitution allows for bail if the change in circumstances is relevant to the ground of refusal on the initial bail application.

Mr. Samuel is represented by private lawyer Edward Sassingian.