Marape puts PANGU leadership on the table ahead of 2027 Elections

Prime Minister James Marape has placed the PANGU Pati parliamentary leadership “on the table” for the party convention to decide ahead of the 2027 National Elections.

Speaking on Friday evening during the PANGU convention, Marape said he had stepped away from the convention floor to allow an independent discussion on the party leadership without his influence.

“I've placed the leadership on the table. And I said, you decide what is good for the party. With a lot of negativities in the public space, if you feel that there's a better person to take on for me, then I will be a team player.”

The current ruling PANGU Pati holds 53 Members of Parliament heading into the 2027 National Elections, expected to be held in April 2027.

Marape said he remains committed to the party regardless of the outcome.

“Pangu all the way through for the rest of my life. I leave the convention to decide on the leadership of the party.”

He also revealed reforms are being introduced into the party constitution, including changes to leadership continuity.

“And I've inserted a clause in the party constitution that you, a leader, have no automatic right for continuity. Our convention must endorse your second term.”

“And if you have served your second term, then you must vacate when the second term is up.”

Marape described the decision as part of plans to strengthen the party structure and internal democracy.

“I felt privileged to be, if not one of the first leaders of our country, to place the leadership on the table, allowing for an organic discussion without my presence or influence.”

The Prime Minister said the convention was also focused on confirming policies for the party heading into the next election and beyond.

The outcome of the convention is expected to be announced on Monday.