Two former Madang governors amognst 27 candidates to contest in Usino-Bundi by-election

A total of 27 candidates have officially nominated to contest the Usino-Bundi Open by-election, following the seat’s vacancy last year after the passing of former Education Minister, Jimmy Uguro.

Among the contenders are three former Members of Parliament, adding political weight to the race. They include Jim Kas and Peter Charles Yama, both former Governors of Madang, and Anton Yagama, a former MP for Usino-Bundi who lost the seat to the late Jimmy Uguro in the 2017 National General Election.

A notable new face is Donald Uguro, the 28-year-old son of the late minister. He is running under the banner of Richard Maru's People's First Party (PFP) and is expected to attract sympathy and youth support.

Another significant entrant is Vincent Kumura, founder of the Kumura Foundation, a well-respected nonprofit that has provided vital services to border communities in Bundi (Madang) and Gembogl (Simbu Province). Kumura's grassroots development work has earned him recognition in rural development circles.

Former Governor Peter Yama entered the race last Thursday, despite currently pursuing an election petition challenging the outcome of the 2022 Madang Provincial seat, which he lost to Governor Ramsey Pariwa. Yama served as Governor from 2017 to 2022, having taken over from Jim Kas.

Kas himself is no stranger to the political landscape, having served two terms as Madang Governor — from 1997 to 2002 and again from 2012 to 2017. He famously unseated high-profile figures such as the late Sir Peter Barter and Sir Arnold Amet, the latter currently serving as Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to the United States.

The by-election has drawn intense interest from across the political spectrum and the local electorate, with a strong mix of experienced politicians, emerging leaders, and community advocates.

Polling dates are yet to be officially announced by the Electoral Commission.