Prime Ministers of PNG and and Potential Candidates for Future

The prime minister's position carries a lot of responsibilities, and also benefits. Those that once occupied this seat will always crave it. 

But, does this make any of them the best PNG prime minister candidate?

Prime Ministers of Papua New Guinea

Here is a list of prime ministers of PNG since its independence.

• Late Sir Michael Thomas Somare (Momase) 1975 - 1980; 1982 - 1985; 2002 - 2012
• Sir Julius Chan (New Guinea Island) 1980 - 1982; 1994 - 1997
• Pius Wingti (Highlands) 1985 - 1988; 1992 - 1994
• Sir Rabbie Namaliu (New Guinea Islands) 1988 - 1992
• Late Bill Skate (Southern) 1997 - 1999
• Late Sir Mekere Morauta (Southern) 1999 - 2002
• Peter O'Neill (Highlands) 2012 - 2019
• James Marape (Highlands) 2019 - present

Note that John Giheno and Sam Abal were interim prime ministers in 1997 and 2010/2011, respectively, when the serving PNG prime ministers then were in some kind of transition period (i.e. the 1997 Sandline crises and the 2010/2011 hospitalisation of the late Cheif Sir Michael Somare in Singapore)

The last man standing, Sir Julius Chan, describes the former PNG prime ministers in his book, Playing the Game. 

Here is what he thought of the past PNG PMs.

• Sir Michael Somare – he thought Somare was a close friend but a political rival. He did not like Somare’s style of leadership. Throughout his book, he was slagging Somare's political tactics and the way political powers were concentrated within small political groups called the '4 Sirs and the 'Kitchen Cabinet'.
• Pius Wingti – he thought he was okay to work with as his deputy PM. He finds him different from the other Highlands MPs like Okuk. He thought Wingti focused more on business and less on politics.
• Sir Rabbie Namaliu – he thought Namaliu was a true academic, but indecisive.
• Bill Skate – he loathed Skate and thought he should never be trusted.
• Sir Mekere Morauta –-Sir Julius Chan said very little about Mekere. Understandably, he was out of office when Sir Mekere got into politics.

He did not say much about Peter O'Neill and James Marape, they became PM after his book was released in 2016.

Living Prime Ministers of PNG

Sir Julius Chan's role as the PNG prime minister was brought to an end during the university student's strike of 1994. His idea of hiring the Sandline Mercenary was unpopular and gained a hostile welcome as students and the PNG Defence Force revolted against it.

Pius Wingti and Sir J are happy running their provinces.

Sir Rabbie Namaliu has been out of the political scene in Papua New Guinea since he lost the election in 1992.

Peter O'Neill took over from the NA-run government when the founder was sick and in hospital in Singapore. His prime ministerial role was marred by court battles and controversial business deals. He spent more time in courts than in the prime minister's office. He used DSIP/PSIP grants to tie MPs down. O'Neill's commitment to the TFF policy is acknowledged, but there are serious issues surrounding transparency about him.

James Marape slogan 'Take Back PNG' gains popularity. He has a hand in the Pogera and Papua LNG deals which turn out to be decisive. Yet he was known to have spent a lot of money on overseas trips such as the K5 million one-day trips to Indonesia and COP26. 

Read about how James Marape took over from Peter O'Neill in 2019.

Who is the best candidate for the PNG Prime Minister's position?

The two MPs in the race for the prime minister's seat after the 2022 elections are the incumbent James Marape and Peter O'Neill. 

There are some dark horses who are also party leaders. Some names that are going around during the elections are:

• Belden Namah (Momase) - he was the incumbent Opposition Leader and a party leader, 3 terms MP and likely to be the force behind the formation of a new govt. A potential PM candidate, but abrupt and reactive.

• Kerenga Kua (Highlands)- he is the 2 term, a strong supporter of the late Sir Micheal Somare and leader of the eastern (lower) highlands block, and the leader of the National Party. He is a lawyer by profession, can stand his ground and has a presence about him. He is a dark horse but he will have difficulty working with people he did not like.

• Dr Allan Marat (New Guinea Islands) - is cool, calm and collected. He can make a great prime minister. He needs to put his hand up and make it count as the leader of the Melanesian Liberal Party. This is a long shot, but this MP has the PM's aura about him.

• Patrick Pruiatch (Momase)- he is a 3 term MP serving senior ministerial portfolios during the Somare, O'Neill and Marape govts; and leader of the National Alliance party. He comes across as an intelligent MP, but it's quite the opposite.

• Don Polye (Highlands) - he occupies senior ministerial portfolios in the Somare and O'Neill govts. Not easily manipulated, a fighter. He is the leader of THE party. He is a civil engineer by profession and can work with MPs from every part of the country. Yet, his THE party has struggled to muster numbers in elections. 

• Charles Abel (Southern) - a former deputy prime minister, he settled well as the second in command. However, he has a good chance of changing seats with the leader of the PNC party and commanding a following in the Southern part of the country.

Expect the unexpected

Anyone who follows the PNG elections and by-elections in the past will know that it is 'unpredictable'!

The governor-general will invite the party with the highest number to form the new govt after the 2022 national general elections. Yet, it does not mean that the prime minister will come from that party, because candidates do jump parties last minute. 

Also, the independent candidate will have a lot of say in who's going to be the next prime minister of PNG. 

So, who is the best candidate for prime minister of PNG?

It should not be anyone with a dramatic past, but someone who can empower the people through education, change the mineral and resource laws and bring economic independence.

The country has seen a glimpse of hope in the past Prime Ministers, but they are yet to see someone who CAN get the public servants to earn their pay, and work for the people they serve.

It's not easy. But, it can be done.

Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission PNGEC Website - Election 2022

The Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNG EC) website is offline right after the last election. This year, it seems, they are operating from their Facebook page. 

But, for a statutory body, it is a no brainer to have a working website, let alone during the election period.

The website is NOT ONLY an important tool for gathering election 2022 data and communicating information at this time, but also a vital information source for future elections.

PNG EC should get its website back online. Wondered where to get the updated PNG Electoral Common Roll?

Latest deferral of the Opening of Nominations and what dates are changing - read the updates

(Follow-up note: After this article, the PNG EC website is back online)

• With Peter O'Neill and James Marape on the campaign trails, who are the 'dark horses' in the race for the PM seat after the 2022 election? See the latest article on the best candidate for PNG's PM role.

Why PNG EC website is offline?

The main reason the website is offline is simply that the PNG EC is unable to host it successfully.

You'd think they should get it online by now when they already have a functioning URL. Not only that, they are on Google search results, too. Out of 230,000 search appearances, PNG EC website is number 1 and rightfully it should!

PNG EC is the body that should have its own website at this time. 

Social media and Facebook pages are not the right places to store, manipulate, analyse and retrieve election data. Social media are only sharing platforms. 

Election data is important.

Why PNG EC should run its website?

For a statutory body like PNG EC ( and especially during the election), it is vital to get the website online.

A good website can help the electoral commission do many things Facebook cannot do, both on the FRONT HAND and BACKHAND.

Also, a website can help the EC collect and relay information in real-time. 

Above all, the PNG EC website is the primary channel of information for all election-related events, not the news sites or Facebook. 

Click here for all the latest commentaries and updates on election 2022

How PNG EC can get the website back online

The website is a powerful communication tool, therefore the PNG EC must get it back online, going into the 2022 National General Elections.

If you click on the PNG EC links on Google, this is what you get...

A 404 error simply shows that the PNG EC website is offline. 

As mentioned, the EC already has a URL. Also, they have the website database with their previous company that host its website in 2017. 

It is a matter of getting a backup from them. And, securely host the website. 

In fact, there are different levels of hosting services and server capabilities available. As for the PNG EC website, the second or third level hosting (referred to as the cloud) would be enough. 

It can cost a couple of thousand US dollars to get it up. They do NOT have to spend K100,000 to get make it work.

It's not like creating a new website, it should be quick and easy. Here is how to get the website back online.

What the electoral commission is saying about its website

The PNG EC is saying that they are re-designing the website. Here is what appears on the search.

''The website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea is currently being redesigned. Access to past PNGEC data is hence limited at the moment. Please reach out to our team via social media...'' Google Cache snippet 08/05/2022

This message has been up since the website went offline right after the 2017 elections. So it has been 5 years.

PNG EC needs a website 

There is no reason or excuse valid enough to justify why the PNG EC website is still OFFLINE. 

This statutory body needs a website for the election for gathering data and disseminating information to the public. And also for assessing the data from the 2022 elections.

PNG EC should not depend on Facebook alone.

PNG election counting update 2022 - daily summary

As the PNG elections are in the counting phase, we bring you a daily 'summary update' of the candidates declared; and party affiliate leading up to the 29th of July 2022. 

For the latest updates, twists and turns, and politics leading to the formation of the 11th parliament, click here.

Updated: PNG national election 2022 counting updates

Leading Political Party Candidates Tally

• Pangu Pati (Leader - James Marape) x14 declared

• People's National Congress, PNC (Leader - Peter O'Neill) x7 declared

• United Resource Party, URP (Leader - William Duma) x4 declared

• People's Party, PP (Leader - Dr William Tongamp) x3
• Social Democratic Party, SDP (Leader - Powes Parkop) x2

• Peoples Progress Party, PPP (Leader - Sir Julius Chan) x1 declared
• People's First Party, PFP (Leader - Richard Maru) x1
• United Labour Party, ULP (Leader - Lekwa Gure) x1
• National Alliance, NA (Leader - Patrick Pruaitch) x2
• Labor Party, LP (Leader - John Pundari) x1
• People's Reform Party, PRP (Leader - James Donald) x1
• PNG Party (Leader - Belden Namah) x1
• Independent x2

Total winning candidates declared to date = 40

Provincial/Regional seats Declared

• Manus - Charlie Benjamin, Pangu (polled over 13,234 absolute majority)
• Bougainville/AROB - Peter Tsamalili Jr, Pangu (polled 42,928 votes)
• West Sepik - Allan Bird, National Alliance,  NA (polled 127,315 votes)
• Enga - Sir Peter Ipatas, People's Party (polled 172,653 votes)
• East New Britain - Michael Marum, Independent (polled 33,285 votes)
• New Ireland - Sir Julius Chan People's Progress Party (PPP) polled 31,717 ballot votes.
• Hela - Philip Undialu, Pangu Pati polled 118,113 votes.

Open electorates MPs Declared

Summary of winning candidates by dates and ballot votes, including their party affiliation. 

Compiled from official sources - NBC News, PNG EC, EMTV and Post Courier news releases.

29 July 2022

• Vanimo Green - Belden Namah, PNG Party, polled 10,213 votes.
• Ambunti/Drekikier - Johnson Wapunai, PNC (polled 11,842 votes)
• Telefomin Open - Solan Mirisim, Pangu (polled votes)
• Esa'ala Open - Jimmy Maladina, Pangu (polled 9,359 votes)
• Menyamya Open - Solen Loifa, Independent (polled 18,397 votes)

Declared 28th July 2022

• North Fly - James Donald, PRP (polled 12,648 votes)
• Central Bougainville -  Fr Simon Dumarinu, SDP (polled 12,263 votes)
• Moresby South - Justin Tkatchenko, SDP (polled 28,111 ballot votes)
• Nuku Open - Joe Sungi, Pangu (polled 9,239 votes)

Declared 27th July 2022

• Gazelle Open - Zelta Wong, URP (polled 9,334 votes)
• Hagen Open - William Dume, United Resource Party, URP (polled 48, 528)

Declared 26th July 2022

• Talasea Open - Freddie Reu Kumai, PP (polled 7,275 ballot votes)
• Kokopo Open - Ereman ToBaining Jnr, PNC (polled 12,053 ballot votes)

Declared 25th July 2022

• South Bougainville Open - Timothy Masiu, Pangu (polled 14,404 votes) 
• Finschhafen Open - Rainbo Paita, Pangu (polled 23,504 votes)
• Kompiam Ambum - Sir John Pundari, Labor Party, LP (polled 28,963 votes)
• Namatanai Open - Walter Schnaubelt, National Alliance, NA (polled 16,454 votes)
• South Bougainville - Timothy Masiu, Pangu (polled 14, 404 votes)
• Wabag Open - Dr Lino Tom, People's Party, PP (polled 35,782 votes)
• Bulolo Open - Sam Basil Jr., United Labour Party, ULP (polled 16, 072 votes)

Declared 24th July 2022

• Kiriwina-Goodenough Open - Douglas Tomuriesa, PNC (polled 9,555)
• Kendrian Gloucester Open - Joseph Lelang, PNC

Declared 23rd July 2022

• Non

Declared 22nd July 2022

• Non

Declared 21 July 2022

• Maprik Open - Gabriel Kapris, PNC (polled 16,657 ballot votes)

Declared 21 July 2022

• Huon Gulf Open - Jason Peter, URP (polled 19,585 votes)
• Yongoru-Saussia - MP Richard Maru, People's First Party, PFP  (polling 17,075 votes)

Declared 20 July 2022

• Kavieng Open - Ian Ling Stuckey, Pangu Pati (polled 12,523 votes)

Declared 19 July 2022

• Yalibu Pangia Open - Peter O'Neill, PNC (polled 45,106)
• Rabaul Open - Graham P Rumet, Pangu Pati (polled 5,192 votes)
• Komo Hulia Open - Daniel Tindipu Pangu Pati (polled 12,788 votes)
• Koroba Lake Kopiago - William Bando, United Resource Party, URP (polled 36,587 votes)

Declared 18 July 2022

• Pomio Open  - Elias Kapavore, People's National Congress (PNC) Party (polled 11,949 first preference votes)
• Magarima Open declared 18 July 2022 - Manasseh Makiba Pangu Pati (votes received 20,753)

• Lae Open declared 17 July 2022 - John Rosso  Pangu Pati (first preference votes 26,864)

• Tari Pori declared 10 July 2022- James Marape Pangu Pati (first preference votes 39,877)

IMPORTANT: If your child/sibling is affected by the election, help him/her. Get free PNG Maths Resources (Exam papers, Units and Topics, Worksheets and Teachers Resource). An initiative of PNG Insight - giving back to the community. Get the free PNG maths resources NOW.

PNG national election 2022 counting updates

PNG election counting update 2022 - summary

Most provinces are in the counting stage.

Simbu and Western Highlands are the last provinces to go into polling. It starts on Monday 18th July 2022. Only 8 days for polling and counting for these two provinces.

Deferral of Return of Writs, Unconstitutional

The deferral of RoW for a further 2 weeks to 14th August 2022 is unconstitutional, but there is a small window of time from the 29th July to 3rd August like in past elections, said the former Chief Justice and stateman, Sir Arnold Amet. 

He said in this news report that the 'fixed date for the return of writs is critically tied to the 5th anniversary of the date fixed for the return of writs from the previous elections'.

Section 105 of the Constitution provides for the fixed dates for the national elections to be held within 3 months of the 5th anniversary of the date fixed for the return of writs.

The PNG EC is going out of the time bound for the RoW and into 'unconstitutional territory.

PNG Electoral Commission under pressure

The electoral commission is under pressure to complete counting before the 29th of July 2022. 

They can be happy now as the date for the return of writs has been extended for a further 2 weeks.

The counting and declaration will continue until the 12th of August 2022.

Comment and let our readers know about the latest from your electorates.

Can Electronic Voting Help Prevent Election Violence in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea's next election in 2027 is an opportunity to reform the electoral process and prevent the violence and corruption that have marred previous elections. 

While the past few elections have been plagued by violence, intimidation, and administrative ineptitude, the government can take steps to ensure a fair and peaceful election in 2027.

Updating the Electoral Common Roll

One critical step towards a fair election is updating the Electoral Common Roll. 

According to the Commonwealth observer team, almost half of the eligible voters may have been disenfranchised in previous elections due to outdated and incomplete voter rolls. 

By ensuring that the roll is accurate and up-to-date, the government can increase voter turnout and reduce the risk of violence and fraud.

Electronic Voting

Another way to prevent election violence is through the use of electronic voting. 

Electronic voting can provide a more transparent and efficient electoral process, making it more difficult for candidates to engage in fraud or violence. 

This can also increase voter participation, as it is more accessible and convenient for voters who may have difficulty getting to polling stations.

Resistance to Electronic Voting

While electronic voting has been successful in other countries, there is resistance in Papua New Guinea to adopting this technology. 

Some argue that electronic voting is too expensive or that it is susceptible to hacking or manipulation. 

However, these concerns can be addressed through proper planning, security measures, and oversight.

Papua New Guinea's 2027 election

Papua New Guinea's next election in 2027 is an opportunity to reform the electoral process and prevent election violence. 

By updating the Electoral Common Roll and adopting electronic voting, the government can ensure a fair and peaceful election. 

It is critical that the government takes proactive steps towards electoral reform to rebuild public trust in democracy and prevent further violence and corruption.

PNG Election Results 2022: How to follow the counting as it happens

The PNG election results are the work of the electoral commission. The commission is directly responsible for counting, declaring and returning the 2022 Election Writs to the Governor-General. However, it is not clear how the PNG EC will relay the election results to the public.

The election results are now coming out of the provinces from journalists, scrutineers and individuals other than the PNG electoral commission. 

Latest on PNG election counting update 2022

How to follow PNG Elections 2022 

The election results are closely monitored by the major news outlets in PNG. You'll get the latest updates as they happen. Also, PNG Facebook pages will be lit with all sorts of stories. So, be careful where you get your updates. 

Note that the official telecaster of the 2022 National General Election is the NBC News

Here are some places where you can get the updates.

• Post Courier website
• PNG NBC News Facebook page
• PNG Electoral Commission Facebook page
• PNG Loop online news website and Facebook Page
• National EMTV News website and Facebook page.

To make it easy for you, we are compiling all the latest election-related news and updates, especially the 2022 PNG election results, on this page.

2022 Elections results in brief

• James Marape retains his seat as MP Tari- Pori

Declaration of election winner by the electoral commissioner

In past elections, counting was done in each provincial capital and results were returned to the EC in Port Moresby for the official declaration. 

There were instances of malpractices where the Provincial Returning Officers (PROs) were declared the winner in the province. 

For example, the first parliament sitting after the 2017 election saw 2 candidates sitting in the Parliament chamber. They were declared winners, one by the EC and the other by the provincial returning officer.

Such instances can be avoided if the PNG EC does it properly and centrally in Port Moresby after the counting is completed.