Prime Minister (PM) James Marape said he is not scared or upset about a fresh motion of Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) in him lodged by the Opposition and looks forward to the outcome of the motion.

Marape welcomed news yesterday, saying it is part of the democratic process and reflects the Constitutional rights of Members of Parliament to choose their Leaders freely and without coercion.

Speaking after Parliament was informed of the new Motion’s admission by the Private Business Committee, Prime Minister Marape said he holds no fear or resentment towards the process, stressing that he will not resort to Political Camps or “behind-the-scenes lobbying” as often seen in past political struggles.

“I welcome any challenge. This is not the first time Mr. Peter O’Neill has challenged me, and it may not be the last. Since I left his Government in April 2019 because I had no belief in his leadership, he has continued to pursue every possible Political and Legal means to unseat me. But I remain focused on governing and serving our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that he has faced multiple Political and Legal challenges since assuming Office on 30 May 2019, including the 2020 Political Impasse, numerous Court cases, and repeated attempts to destabilize his government. Yet, he noted, Papua New Guinea has continued to progress under his leadership.

Prime Minister Marape concluded by reiterating his belief that the stability of Government and the maturity of leadership are critical to national progress.

“We must stop this nonsense of constant political maneuvering. Fifty years on, our nation deserves better. Leaders must grow up and make responsible choices. The people are watching, and history will judge us all by how we act today.”

He further called on ordinary Papua New Guineans to also prepare for their moment of choice, reminding them that the 2027 National General Election is only 14 months away.