Tari-Pori MP James Marape has been elected as the 8th Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
Marape, who collected 101 votes today, is the Pangu Pati leader.
He was nominated by Governor for Enga Sir Peter Ipatas and was seconded by Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin.
Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill was nominated by Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch but later withdrew his nominee when Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat nominated Sir Mekere Morauta.
Only eight MPs voted for Sir Mekere.
Out of the 111 MPs, 109 votes were counted. The obvious exclusion was Speaker Job Pomat while Madang MP Bryan Kramer was not present in the chamber during that time.
Meantime, Marape will soon be sworn in at the Government House.
More to follow...