Opposition confident of forming govt as numbers swell

Caption: Opposition group photo after Friday’s parliament sitting.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, July 17, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH the inclusion of two new parties to the Opposition benches, belief is growing in the Opposition camp in its chances in forming government by Friday July 22 when parliament votes on the vote of no confidence motion introduced on Friday this week.

A total of seven MPs from the People’s Progress Party and three from the New Generation Party have given them the indication of the change afoot, according to Opposition Leader and leading Prime Minister nominee Don Polye.

“The people of Papua New Guinea should know is that the opposition is now beginning to start the process to forming a new government in the next seven days,” Mr Polye said.

“I am very happy to announce that we have the support of the leader of the People’s Progress Party (PPP) the honourable Ben Micah who has joined us to form that new government and his members of the Peoples Progress Party are also with us.”

“I also welcome the leader of the New Generation Party (NGP) and Member for Goroka Bire Kimisopa. He has also joined us with his members and with his party.”

Polye said both leaders have been very vocal on national issues like other leaders have been, adding value to the Opposition to boost its chances in forming government.

“I would like to say what they have done is for Papua New Guinea and they have made a decision that they would like to see a prime minister that is running the country down changed and a better government formed.”

“Our opposition members intact and I would like to announce the opposition numbers are growing which include 7 members of PPP today 3 from New Generation Party, tonight, tomorrow you will see the numbers swell.”

Leader of the PPP and Member for Kavieng Ben Micah, speaking for the first time alongside the Opposition, said despite only having seven members- history was on his party’s side when it comes to the forming of governments.

“There is only seven of us and we do not have any power to impact the mighty numbers on the Government but we have a history that you can go and read in the history books of a party that has been around for almost 50 years,” Micah said.

“We have formed governments, helped to found this country through our leaders, our founding father is still in parliament, governor of New Ireland Province (Sir Julius Chan).”

“Many great leaders have come through this party and have contributed to the development of Papua New Guinea.”

“I as the new leader in the last two years I cannot allow the reputation and credibility of this historical party to be compromised by the indecisive decision that I do not make when the situation is crying out for leadership.”

He said on that basis he acted decisively to support the calls by citizens that the Prime Minister be accountable for his actions through the rule of law.

“Citizens now have the opportunity to support the emergence of a new government to restore order and give confidence to citizens and foreigner who working and living here that this is a viable nation.”

In addition, leader of NGP Bire Kimisopa congratulated the Opposition on the strong leadership it has shown.