Prime Minister welcomes Pangu Pati faithfuls to convention

PRIME Minister and Pangu Pati Parliamentary Leader James Marape has welcomed Pangu Pati council members, provincial executives, branch officials, youth representatives, convention conveners and party faithfuls from across Papua New Guinea as the historic party prepares to hold its National Convention in Port Moresby this week.

The Convention was convened on Thursday, June 11, 2026), and continued into Friday, with Pangu Pati also preparing to host a gala dinner on Saturday night to celebrate the party’s 59th anniversary since its formal establishment on 13 June, 1967. 

Prime Minister Marape said the convention was being held in accordance with the Pangu Pati Constitution, which requires Conventions before and after National General Elections. 

“Under my watch, we had a Convention before the 2022 General Elections, we had a convention after the 2022 General Elections, and we now have a National Convention before the 2027 General Elections,” Marape said.

He said the Party Council will meet ahead of the convention to affirm and confirm the agenda, before delegates gather from all 21 provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. 

“I want to welcome Pangu Pati faithfuls — those who hold our branches throughout our 21 provinces and the special region of Bougainville, the branch presidents and secretaries, members of the convention, youth representatives, and national council members,” Marape said.

The Prime Minister said Pangu Pati remained the country’s oldest political party and one of the most important institutions in Papua New Guinea’s political history. He acknowledged the founding leaders of the party, including Sir Paul Lapun of Bougainville, and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who took over the leadership in 1968. 

He said Pangu’s history is inseparable from Papua New Guinea’s journey to nationhood, unity and independence. 

“Many great men have served before. My time does not come equal to their levels, but from the time I took office in 2019 to today, we have tried to reform the party and modernise the party without compromising the original policy tenets and intent of our country,” the Prime Minister said.

 He said Pangu Pati’s original mission remained unchanged — to unite a diverse country and ensure that every citizen, province, district and community is included in national development.

“Chief amongst our principles is to continue to unite the country, making sure that the land of diversity we call PNG is given reinforcement — no one left behind, everyone held together,” he said.

  Marape said, subject to council endorsement, the convention will be held under the theme “Pangu for the Next Generation”, reflecting the party’s focus beyond the 2027 National General Elections.

 “This Convention will not just focus on the next Election. It will be about Pangu for the next generation,” he said.

Story by Sam Vulum