PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) — The campaign to form the next government in Papua New Guinea has begun in earnest, with the fight to remove Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare’s party, launched on three different fronts.
Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta and former Treasurer Bart Philemon declared in Aitape, West Sepik province that they were forming the next government.
In Western Highlands, Gov. Paias Wingti urged his people to dismantle the National Alliance Party, while People’s Labor Party leader Peter Yama told a crowd in Madang the NA could not be trusted as partners in government.
But NA officials in Port Moresby told reporters that in five years, their government has achieved more than others, and on that record alone, they should be returned to form the next government for continuity.
Sir Mekere and Philemon were in Aitape to endorse their candidates Maran Nataleo and Kevin Yaka for the Aitape Open seat held by National Alliance strongman and Forest Minister Patrick Pruaitch.
Philemon is also backing Clement Tumana for West Sepik Regional seat held by Gov. Carlos Yuni.
A crowd in Aitape shouted “rausim em,” when Philemon asked if they wanted to remove Sir Michael as prime minister and his National Alliance government.
“For the first time, Sir Mekere and I have come together, here in Aitape. Now we (have) formed the new government here in Aitape,” and the crowd roared in support.
“As sure as the sun rises and goes down at night, the new government is now formed in Aitape,” declared Philemon, the leader of the New Generation Party.