PANGU strengthens numbers to 51 MPs with two new members

The ruling Papua and New Guinea Union Party [PANGU] has consolidated its grip on power, increasing its parliamentary numbers to 51 MPs following the inclusion of two newly elected members last night.

Porgera-Paiela MP Gidron Maso Karipe and Usino-Bundi MP Vincent Kumura, both winners in recent by-elections, formally joined the government benches. Their predecessors had passed away, triggering the polls.

Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the two MPs, describing their decision to align with PANGU as significant, given the economic importance of their electorates.

“Though Porgera-Paiela and Usino-Bundi are remote and face many challenges, their alignment with government will assist in bringing much-needed services in health, education, infrastructure, law and order, and empowerment to their people,” Marape said.

He added that PANGU, which delivered political independence for Papua New Guinea in 1975, is now focused on delivering economic independence within the next 50 years.

The inclusion of the two MPs further strengthens PANGU’s dominance in the National Parliament, ensuring greater stability for the Marape-led government.